As a Category Manager, you will need to master following:

• company policies
• corporate social responsibility
• cost management
• develop product design
• maintain relationship with suppliers
• manage inventory
• market pricing
• negotiate sales contracts
• perform product planning
• store design layout

More generally, a category manager is also versed in:

• align efforts towards business development
• analyse consumer buying trends
• analyse customer service surveys
• analyse external factors of companies
• analyse internal factors of companies
• analyse work-related written reports
• apply strategic thinking
• channel marketing
• collaborate in the development of marketing strategies
• conflict management
• content marketing strategy
• coordinate marketing plan actions
• create annual marketing budget
• define measurable marketing objectives
• ensure client orientation
• evaluate marketing content
• identify potential markets for companies
• identify suppliers
• impart business plans to collaborators
• integrate marketing strategies with the global strategy
• integrate strategic foundation in daily performance
• manage budgets
• manage profitability
• market participants
• market research
• marketing mix
• perform market research
• perform multiple tasks at the same time
• perform project management
• perform risk analysis
• plan marketing campaigns
• plan marketing strategy
• pricing strategies
• select optimal distribution channel
• study sales levels of products
• track key performance indicators

It also helps to know the following:

• abide by business ethical code of conducts
• report accounts of the professional activity
• brand marketing techniques
• communication principles
• create solutions to problems
• develop professional network
• employment law
• ensure cross-department cooperation
• inspect data
• teamwork principles
• use different communication channels