Head of Category Tobacco
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Lead the Future of Tobacco Category Management
Do you want to play a strategic role in shaping our ambition to become the most responsible and leading company in the tobacco sector? At Overseas Distribution Company (ODC), we are looking for a visionary, results-driven professional to join us as Head of Category Tobacco. In this role, you will be the category expert and driving force behind the success of our tobacco portfolio - combining strategy, leadership, and innovation to deliver growth and sustainability.
Your Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the category vision and strategy for tobacco products, focusing on growth, profitability, and market leadership.
- Coordinate and manage all activities within the Tobacco category, ensuring smooth purchasing processes and optimal product availability.
- Lead, coach, and inspire the Tobacco Category team, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with global suppliers, negotiating competitive conditions and strengthening commercial relationships.
- Translate market insights into actionable plans, pricing strategies, and product introductions.
- Oversee allocation management and address trading risks effectively.
- Support sales teams with category insights, tenders, and promotional activations.
- Monitor pricing, margins, and stock levels to optimize performance and working capital.
- Drive process optimization and digitalization through tools like Power BI, Business Central, Slimstock, and CRM.
- Represent ODC at trade events and supplier meetings, reinforcing our brand as a trusted partner.
The Profile of Our Ideal Candidate
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Economics, or a related field.
- Minimum 8–10 years of experience in category management, purchasing, or commercial roles within FMCG or Tobacco industry.
- Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
- Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills at senior supplier level.
- Excellent analytical skills and proficiency in data-driven decision-making.
- Solid understanding of inventory management, pricing strategies, and margin optimization.
- Fluent in English; Dutch or other languages are a plus.
- Demonstrable core competencies: strategic thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, results orientation, and initiative.
- Affinity with sustainability and responsible business practices.
- Ability to align with our core values: mutual respect, transparency, continuous improvement, and fostering a positive work environment.
What Do We Offer?
- A full-time position in a dynamic, international environment.
- The opportunity to shape and grow a key category within a global business.
- A flat hierarchy with fast decision-making and room for initiative.
- Engaging with international contacts and fostering global connections.
- A competitive compensation package aligned with your skills and experience.
- Access to various employee benefits and professional development opportunities.
- Becoming part of an ambitious company that strives to be the best in its industry.
About ODC
Overseas Distribution Company is a financially strong, innovative, and international player specialized in distribution and category management. Every day, we focus on sustainable relationships, growth, and the well-being of our teams.
Ready to make an impact as Head of Category Tobacco in a forward-thinking, people-oriented organization?
Apply now via https://careers.overseas.be and convince us of your talents!
- Department
- Purchase - Commercial
- Role
- Head of Category Tobacco
- Locations
- Overseas Distribution Company Office BE, ODC General Trading FZE UAE
- Employment type
- Full-time
- Employment level
- Executive / Senior Level
About Overseas Distribution Company N.V.
Overseas Distribution Company is a global leader in duty-free and travel retail distribution, offering a diverse range of premium products, including spirits, wines, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, and confectionery. With over 75 dedicated professionals based in Antwerp’s iconic Eilandje district, we’ve been redefining distribution since 1946.
We supply airports, airlines, cruise lines, ferries, border shops, ship chandlers, and diplomatic missions in more than 50 countries, in an innovative, data-driven, and sustainable manner. Our transformation from a traditional wholesaler to a forward-thinking, digital-first business model positions us as the next standard in global distribution.
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