Category Management Manager Liquor - APAC

At Avolta (SIX: AVOL), our people are at the driving force behind our success. With a team of over 76,000 individuals representing more than 150 nationalities, we are a truly global company driven by passion, innovation, and excellence.

Born from the combination of Dufry and Autogrill, Avolta is redefining the travel experience through the dedication and expertise of our diverse workforce. Across 73 countries and 1,000 locations, our teams bring energy, creativity, and commitment to delivering world-class travel retail and food & beverage experiences.

We operate across multiple channels - including airports, motorways, cruise ships, ports, railways, and more - offering endless opportunities for collaboration and growth. Our people are empowered to make an impact, supported by a culture that values teamwork, development, and innovation.

Sustainability and social responsibility are embedded in our strategy, ensuring we grow in a way that benefits both our employees and the communities we serve.

Are you looking for a dynamic, international career where your contributions truly matter? Join Avolta and be part of a team that’s shaping the future of travel - together.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Category Manager - Liquor has a dual reporting structure:

1. Direct report to the Global Category Management team (Liquor) for alignment with global category strategy.
2. Indirect report (dotted line) to the Vice President, Commercial for APAC strategy and implementation.

This role is responsible for establishing and executing relevant global category strategies and commercial plans within the APAC region. Additionally, the position may involve representing the company to various airport governing agencies, as well as developing and maintaining relationships with vendors and distributors serving airport and transportation locations across APAC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development and Strategy:

1. Provides specialized leadership for the Liquor portfolios, maximizing efficiency and strategy alignment between both categories.
2. Qualify Liquor business opportunities in Duty Free and Duty Paid for APAC markets and locations where Avolta has or is developing concessions with the Regional Commercial Director.
3. Develop and implement a region-specific Commercial Plan for these categories in APAC countries, for both international brands and particularly for regional brands such as Moutai and Chinese tobacco.
4. Develop new business and suggest new brands relevant to the region.
5. Support tender processes and guide negotiations for global and regional brand agreements to improve business terms.

Supplier and Brand Relationships:

1. Build and maintain strong relationships with key global suppliers and brand partners' regional contacts.
2. Liaising with brands together with the regional shop development team for any shop construction/refurbishment processes.
3. Ensure timely submission of brand documentation and listings.

Category Management and Performance:

1. Review and refine assortment extensions and de-listings in line with global strategy.
2. Review and fine-tune promotion and markdown strategies for APAC region needs and report overall performance.
3. Define and confirm action plans with local operations for stock exit post-markdown period and low-performance depletion strategy.
4. Define pricing policies with countries and global HQ within set guidelines.
5. Analyse sales data, trends, and product forecasts to improve business performance.
6. Follow up on weekly sales & margins performance reviews by brand and operations.

Planning and Coordination:

1. Support the Global Demand Planning team in preparing the Open to Buy by coordinating sales plan reviews and confirmations with countries.
2. Streamlines operations, reduces duplications and ensures that resources are allocated effectively across both categories.
3. Partner with country commercial teams to resolve issues and ensure assortment and inventory objectives are met.
4. Coordinate staff & visual merchandising training with support from operational teams.

Team Leadership and Communication:

1. Ensure that both categories are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in executing the strategy and plans
2. Facilitates joint decision making with Global and Region and across both categories to ensure vendor priorities and promotional activities are aligned with business objectives.
3. Reinforce the connection between the Category and each respective country GM.

Market Intelligence and Data Management:

1. Develop consumer and market intelligence for the relevant categories. Identifies trends and pivots the strategy in real time, ensuring that the company remains competitive in the fast moving APAC market.
2. Supervise the item creation process for locally managed global brands.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Demonstrated experience of at least 10 years in Liquor (from duty free/duty paid business) with significant exposure to APAC region
• Excellent negotiation and business development skills
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills
• Strong communicator who can present and share information with diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated customer focus and cultural intelligence
• Reliable, results driven and great relationship builder
• Possess analytical and critical thinking
• Adept negotiator with deal structuring skills

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We look forward to connecting with you soon!