Sephora Category Manager

About Sephora

Sephora is a global prestige beauty leader, renowned for redefining the retail experience through creativity, inclusivity, and expert service. Founded in France and now part of LVMH, the company brings together an exceptional portfolio of beauty brands with a distinctive culture of discovery and innovation. As an employer, Sephora offers a dynamic, customer-centered environment where talent is encouraged to learn, experiment, and grow across retail, digital, merchandising, operations, and corporate functions. Its teams are united by a passion for beauty, entrepreneurship, and belonging, making Sephora a compelling workplace for professionals seeking impact within a fast-moving international brand.

Role & Responsibilities

• Own and drive strategic initiatives for Fragrance and Haircare categories, optimizing assortment and trade marketing strategies to deliver productive growth
• Monitor market trends and identify emerging brands and merchandising programs to optimize category performance and competitive positioning
• Track and analyze omni-channel category performance across channels, markets, segments, margins, productivity, brand conversion, and stock management against established KPIs
• Execute and implement category strategies as outlined in budget and strategic planning documents
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with brand partners to achieve mutual business objectives and goals
• Mentor and support career development of interns and executives within the merchandising team
• Negotiate and review trading terms with brand partners; coordinate brand agreement sign-offs and renewals
• Develop annual brand plans including product launch calendars, sales targets, and promotional strategies
• Ensure assortment productivity and relevance aligned with established linear productivity measures for each brand
• Oversee new product launch planning and execution, including sell-in validation, vendor forms, sales forecasting, and brand deck development
• Manage planogram reviews, pricing strategies, and sales forecasts for new launches and limited-edition offerings
• Coordinate store opening and renovation initiatives, ensuring proper brand placement, fixtures, and merchandising displays according to category principles
• Collaborate with supply chain to maintain stockholding KPIs and develop action plans for high-stock SKUs and discontinued items during peak sales periods
• Liaise with cross-functional departments including marketing, ecommerce, regional teams, and supply chain to ensure cohesive 360-degree campaign execution

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related discipline
• Minimum 6 years of experience in Account Management, Brand Management, or Merchandising, preferably in beauty or FMCG sectors
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and SAP or equivalent ERP systems
• Fluent and articulate command of spoken and written English
• In-depth knowledge of international and local beauty brands, market trends, and consumer purchasing behavior
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with brand partners and internal stakeholders
• Strong numerical and analytical capabilities with meticulous attention to detail

Skills

Experience

Minimum 6 years of professional experience in account management, brand management, or merchandising within the beauty industry or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Prior exposure to omni-channel retail environments and strategic category planning is highly valued.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline.

Workplace

Culture

Sephora fosters a dynamic, inclusive workplace where creativity, curiosity, and a passion for beauty are encouraged at every level. As an employer, it is distinguished by its focus on empowerment, continuous learning, and a collaborative retail culture that celebrates individuality and client-centric innovation.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.