Category Manager - Sports
full-time•Kuala Lumpur
About this role
The Sports Category Manager owns the end-to-end commercial strategy and performance of the Sports category (e.g., footwear, apparel, accessories).
The role is accountable for delivering targets across GMV/Net Revenue, margin, markdowns, stock health, and customer experience.
ZALORA is Asia’s Online Fashion Destination. Founded in 2012, the company has a presence in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong. ZALORA is part of Global Fashion Group, the world's leader in online fashion for emerging markets. ZALORA offers an extensive collection of top international and local brands and products across apparel, shoes, accessories, and beauty categories for men and women. Offering up to 30-day free returns, speedy deliveries as fast as 3 hours, free delivery over a certain spend, and multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery, ZALORA is the online shopping destination with endless fashion possibilities.
ZALORA is not obligated to accept resumes from any third parties on behalf of potential candidates for any position (advertised or otherwise) by any means, unless ZALORA has executed a written agreement with such third party and has expressly requested such third party for candidate referrals. Third parties who provide unsolicited resumes of candidate(s) shall waive and forfeit all rights to claim for any placement fees or referral fees in the event that such candidate is eventually engaged or employed by ZALORA or Global Fashion Group.
The role is accountable for delivering targets across GMV/Net Revenue, margin, markdowns, stock health, and customer experience.
This position directly leads the seasonal buying process (selection and buy quantities) and is supported by a Category Admin for operational execution (PO processing, master data, tracking).
Responsibilities :
1) Category Strategy & Commercial Ownership
- Own category performance and trading outcomes across sales/GMV, margin, markdowns, and stock productivity.
- Build the category strategy: brand architecture, price ladder, sport segments (running/training/outdoor/athleisure), and target customer missions.
- Lead monthly and seasonal forecasts; set clear growth drivers and priorities.
2) Buying, Range Build & Seasonal Planning (Core Accountability)
- Lead the seasonal range build and buying decisions:
- Assortment strategy (core vs trend, breadth/depth, key franchises)
- Style/SKU selection aligned to market/customer needs
- Buy quantities and delivery phasing (in partnership with Planning/Finance where applicable)
- Define replenishment strategy for core lines and fast sellers; adjust buys in-season based on performance.
- Conduct competitor/trend benchmarking to ensure relevant range and strong price positioning.
3) Vendor/Brand Management & Negotiation
- Own relationships with key sports brands/distributors/vendors.
- Negotiate commercial terms: margin/cost, funding, rebates, marketing support, exclusives/launches, campaign participation (as applicable).
- Build Joint Business Plans (JBPs) and run regular performance reviews/QBRs.
4) Trading, Pricing, Promotions & Markdown Management
- Set category pricing architecture and ensure price competitiveness.
- Own campaign readiness and execution: hero SKUs, promo mechanics, and visibility requirements.
- Manage markdown strategy to hit sell-through targets while protecting profitability.
5) Stock & Availability Management
- Drive inventory health: stock cover, sell-through, ageing, stock turn, and end-of-season exit.
- Partner with Supply Chain/Operations to manage inbound flow and reduce OOS on key lines.
6) Onsite Execution & Customer Experience
- Ensure trade-ready product pages: images, attributes, size/fit info, taxonomy, SEO basics.
- Work with onsite/merchandising teams to improve discoverability and conversion (filters, landing pages, search relevance).
7) Team Leadership (Category Admin)
- Set clear weekly priorities and ways of working for the Category Admin.
- Coach on execution quality: PO accuracy, timeline discipline, data hygiene, and cross-team coordination.
Requirements
- 5–10+ years in category management/buying/merchandising/trading (sports or fashion retail/e-commerce preferred).
- Proven capability owning buying decisions (assortment + quantities) and managing seasonal cycles.
- Strong negotiation and partner management skills.
- Strong analytical capability (advanced Excel/Google Sheets).
- Strong stakeholder management across Planning, Marketing, Ops, and Content.
ZALORA is Asia’s Online Fashion Destination. Founded in 2012, the company has a presence in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong. ZALORA is part of Global Fashion Group, the world's leader in online fashion for emerging markets. ZALORA offers an extensive collection of top international and local brands and products across apparel, shoes, accessories, and beauty categories for men and women. Offering up to 30-day free returns, speedy deliveries as fast as 3 hours, free delivery over a certain spend, and multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery, ZALORA is the online shopping destination with endless fashion possibilities.
ZALORA is not obligated to accept resumes from any third parties on behalf of potential candidates for any position (advertised or otherwise) by any means, unless ZALORA has executed a written agreement with such third party and has expressly requested such third party for candidate referrals. Third parties who provide unsolicited resumes of candidate(s) shall waive and forfeit all rights to claim for any placement fees or referral fees in the event that such candidate is eventually engaged or employed by ZALORA or Global Fashion Group.
What you'll do
- The Category Manager is responsible for owning the end-to-end commercial strategy and performance for the Sports category, including delivering targets across GMV, margin, and stock health. This role directly leads the seasonal buying process, determining assortment strategy and purchase quantities.
About ZALORA SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE LTD
ZALORA is Asia’s leading online fashion, beauty and lifestyle destination, part of Global Fashion Group. As one of the region’s pioneer large scale e-commerce platforms, ZALORA has established a strong presence throughout the region, particularly in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and in Taiwan, enjoying over 50 million monthly visits.
With an extensive collection of top international and local brands, ZALORA is a curated platform, featuring all the things shoppers love in one place. Customers can discover authentic products from over 3000 brands across categories, from apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty, pre-loved, and lifestyle, including essentials and home & living products.
As a customer-first brand, ZALORA is powered by a team of committed innovators, providing a seamless shopping experience across mobile, tablet, and desktop. With a broad network of logistical service, ZALORA is known for speedy and reliable deliveries, as well as offering multiple payment methods, including cash-on-delivery across its markets. ZALORA provides up to 30-day free returns and free delivery after a certain spend. ZALORA continues to delight shoppers with their unlimited next-day delivery subscription, ZNow, and give customers more value with ZALORA’s signature Cashback programme. ZALORA also made it easier for shoppers to buy products based on their style inspiration with ZALORA’s visual search function, Complete the Look and Get the Look feature!
ZALORA prides itself to be an industry enabler through innovations like our data analytics platform, TRENDER, that provides brand partners valuable insights and 1SS (One-stock solution) a modular multi-channel e-commerce fulfillment service, allowing brand partners to consolidate their stocks in ZALORA’s e-fulfillment centres.
Putting the customers and brand partners at the centre of our innovation, ZALORA is the online destination that connects everyone to the limitless world of e-commerce.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Category Manager - Sports do at ZALORA SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE LTD?
As a Category Manager - Sports at ZALORA SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE LTD, you will: the Category Manager is responsible for owning the end-to-end commercial strategy and performance for the Sports category, including delivering targets across GMV, margin, and stock health. This role directly leads the seasonal buying process, determining assortment strategy and purchase quantities..
Is the Category Manager - Sports position at ZALORA SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE LTD remote?
The Category Manager - Sports position at ZALORA SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE LTD is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Category Manager - Sports position at ZALORA SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE LTD?
You can apply for the Category Manager - Sports position at ZALORA SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE LTDdirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.