Category Manager

About Hero Vired:

Would you like to be part of an exciting, innovative, and high-growth startup from one of the largest and most well-respected business houses in the country - the Hero Group?

Hero Vired is a premium learning experience offering industry-relevant programs and world-class partnerships, to create the change-makers of tomorrow.

At Hero Vired, we believe everyone is made of big things. With the experience, knowledge, and expertise of the Hero Group, Hero Vired is on a mission to change the way we learn. Hero Vired aims to give learners the knowledge, skills, and expertise through deeply engaged and holistic experiences, closely mapped with industry to empower them to transform their aspirations into reality. The focus will be on disrupting and reimagining university education & skilling for working professionals by offering high-impact online certification and degree programs.

The illustrious and renowned US$5 billion diversified Hero Group is a conglomerate of Indian companies with primary interests and operations in automotive manufacturing, financing, renewable energy, electronics manufacturing, and education. The Hero Group (BML Munjal family) companies include Hero MotoCorp, Hero FinCorp, Hero Future Energies, Rockman Industries, Hero Electronix, Hero Mindmine, and the BML Munjal University.

For detailed information, visit Hero Vired

Role : Category Manager

Job Type: Full Time

Experience: 4 to 8 years

Department: Supply & Category Management

Location: Gurugram (work from Office)

Role Summary

We are seeking a commercially sharp and analytically driven Category Manager to own supplier relationships, lead tactical negotiations, and drive supply strategy for our university partnerships. You will bridge supply planning with operational execution, ensuring cost-efficiency, high availability, and a seamless experience for all stakeholders. The ideal candidate understands the EdTech supply ecosystem, can translate forecasts into supply plans, and brings a proactive approach to risk and performance management.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Relationship Management

Build and manage strategic relationships with key suppliers and university partners, conducting regular business reviews and joint planning sessions. Drive long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships aligned with our growth objectives.

Commercial Negotiations

Lead negotiations on pricing, payment terms, and SLAs to maximize cost-efficiency and profitability. Identify and capture savings opportunities while protecting supply quality, reliability, and partner satisfaction.

Supply Strategy & Planning

Collaborate with different demand/sales teams to translate forecasts into actionable plans at both – at the University and at the internal sales teams ends. Ensure high product availability, balancing cost, quality, and service levels across categories.

Technology Integration & SLA Improvement

Understand and facilitate tech integrations between our platforms and university systems (LMS, ERP, enrollment tools). Work with product and tech teams to identify friction points in the supply/delivery workflow and propose scalable solutions. Proactively suggest and implement steps to improve SLAs — including automation of reporting, real-time tracking dashboards, and digitizing onboarding or fulfilment processes.

Performance Tracking & Reporting

Define and monitor supplier KPIs including lead times, quality metrics, and SLA adherence. Implement corrective action plans to address bottlenecks and provide regular performance dashboards to leadership with clear, actionable insights.

Market Intelligence

Analyze industry trends, pricing dynamics, and competitor activity to inform sourcing and category strategies. Use market data to identify cost-saving opportunities and maintain a competitive supply position.

Risk Management

Develop contingency plans for supply disruptions, including alternate sourcing strategies and buffer protocols. Proactively identify vulnerabilities and drive mitigation actions before they impact operations.

Cross-Functional Coordination

Serve as the central liaison between university partners, and internal teams (sales, finance, operations, product). Align stakeholders on category priorities and resolve escalations swiftly to maintain supply chain health.

Qualifications & Skills

Experience & Education:

• 4-8 years in category management, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or B2B partnership roles, preferably in EdTech or related services. Candidates from e-commerce background are also encouraged to apply.
• Proven track record of managing supplier portfolios, owning P&L, and driving commercial outcomes.
• Bachelor’s in Business, Supply Chain, Economics, or related field; MBA preferred.

Core Competencies:

• Commercial & Negotiation Acumen: Strong deal-making skills with hands-on experience in pricing, SLA, and payment term negotiations.
• Supplier & Stakeholder Management: Ability to build trust-based relationships and influence cross-functional teams.
• Tech Savviness: Familiarity with LMS, ERP, CRM, or supply-side tools; ability to identify and drive process digitisation.
• Analytical Thinking: Data-driven approach to supply planning, KPI tracking, and market analysis.
• Strategic Planning: Ability to develop and execute category strategies aligned with business goals.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive, solutions-first mindset with the ability to resolve supply and operational challenges at pace.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives.
• High-visibility, entrepreneurial role with direct business impact.
• Clear career growth in a fast-scaling EdTech company.
• Collaborative culture with mentorship from senior leadership.