Role Overview
The APAC Regional Category Manager is responsible for driving business growth in the APAC region through strategic business development, partnership maximization, effective market positioning, and streamlined project management. This role requires a proactive approach to identify opportunities and execute strategies that align with both regional and global objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the Softlines category, particularly in the fashion and home industry.

Major Responsibilities include:

Strategic Business Development

• Formulate and Implement Strategies: Develop and execute comprehensive business strategies that drive sustainable growth within the APAC region, aligning with corporate objectives.
• Identify Whitespace Opportunities: Conduct thorough industry analysis and market research to pinpoint emerging trends and gaps, recommending actionable strategies to capitalize on these opportunities.
• Drive Sales Initiatives: Lead targeted sales initiatives to explore new business opportunities, enhancing market presence and establishing a competitive advantage.

Partnership Maximization

• Cultivate Strategic Partnerships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with global and regional partners to create synergies that enhance growth opportunities.
• Identify and Leverage Opportunities: Evaluate partnership opportunities that align with business objectives, ensuring strategic fit and mutual benefit.
• Drive Collaborative Initiatives: Lead joint efforts with partners, focusing on co-developing products, marketing strategies, and sales efforts to maximize market impact.

Market Positioning

• Conduct Competitive Analysis: Analyze market trends and competitive positioning to gain insights into industry dynamics, informing strategic decisions.
• Identify Market Gaps: Recognize potential gaps and develop actionable strategies to address them, positioning the organization to capitalize on new opportunities.
• Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams: Engage with various departments to ensure alignment on market strategies and integrate insights to optimize execution.

Project Management and Process Improvement

• Oversee Key Projects: Manage critical projects to ensure timely execution of strategic initiatives, driving accountability and results across the organization.
• Streamline Operational Processes: Evaluate and enhance operational processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness within the APAC region.
• Implement Best Practices: Identify and integrate best practices across teams to optimize workflows, reduce redundancies, and increase overall productivity.

Collaboration and Communication

• Foster Collaborative Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with global internal teams and regional stakeholders to ensure seamless communication and alignment on strategic initiatives.
• Facilitate Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with various departments, including marketing, sales, and product development, to gather insights and ensure effective execution of market strategies.
• Regular Stakeholder Communication: Conduct meetings and updates with global accounts and internal teams to share progress, address challenges, and align on objectives, ensuring regional insights are integrated into global strategies.
• Act as a Liaison: Serve as a key point of contact between regional operations and global teams, translating global strategies into actionable local initiatives that drive business growth.

Requirements

• Industry Experience: Minimum of 8+ years of experience in the Softlines category, with a strong focus on the fashion and home industry.
• Strategic Mindset: Ability to think strategically and translate insights into actionable business plans.
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Project Management Proficiency: Demonstrated experience in managing projects from conception to execution, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic goals.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct market research and competitive analysis.
• Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with partners, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.