The dynamic role of a Category Owner at Allegro
Working at Allegro offers a uniquely engaging experience, especially when you assume the role of a Category Owner. This role, inherently diverse and multi-dimensional is a perfect blend of analytical prowess and interpersonal skills. It's a role that allows you to dive deep into various product categories, constantly adapting and taking up new challenges. Here’s an inside look at what it’s like to be a Category Owner at one of Poland's largest and most influential online marketplaces.
Bridging data and people
As a Category Owner, no two days are alike. The role encapsulates numerous responsibilities—from evaluating financial performance to negotiating with partners, planning campaigns, and constantly innovating to enhance user experience.
"One day, you might analyze our product selection to ensure it meets customer needs. Another day, you're optimizing the online shopping experience, making sure our filters, UX, and UI are spot on. It's this variety that keeps the job exciting"
- says Ola Grzesiak, Category Owner
Being analytical is crucial here. An Owner needs to delve into vast amounts of data, identifying trends and patterns that can drive category growth. But this isn't just an isolated desk job. One defining feature of being a Category Owner at Allegro is the necessity for cross-departmental collaboration. Whether it's planning out a campaign, adjusting product listings, or negotiating promotional deals and stock levels, communication and teamwork are vital.
“You need to be pretty savvy with data because there's a ton of information to analyze and interpret. But at the same time, you have to be a people person, able to communicate effectively with different teams and brands. So you could say you’ve got to be a bit of a talkative analyst."
While data is crucial for making informed decisions, being able to ‘talk the talk’ ensures other departments understand and support our goals. It's not just about bombarding them with numbers, but also explaining our vision and why certain parameters are critical from a certain category perspective.
Continuous adaptation and innovation
The role’s diversity ensures there is never a dull moment. The environment is often dynamic, that’s why an ability to pivot quickly, backed by data, is vital.
“Analyzing whether the categories we manage are trending involves understanding quick shifts, like trends or seasonal changes impacting sales. It’s a bit like playing chess. You have to think a few moves ahead, plan for various scenarios but also be ready to adapt.”
And this isn’t just limited to enhancing your category's performance - it's about making tangible contributions to the wider company. For instance, improving customer experience by tweaking web elements or usability features.
“I work with other teams, for example to optimize the user interface, ensuring customers have the smoothest experience with Allegro. When category management is done right, shopping becomes easy and intuitive for consumers. They can use the right filters, find products effortlessly, and never feel lost. And that’s our ultimate goal"
- says, Kamila Karmazyn, Senior Category Owner
Navigating different categories: unique challenges and learning curves
Switching categories is not uncommon at Allegro, so if you have expertise and passion, you can find a niche that's perfect for you, while gaining new experience and expanding your skill set.
"Just when I felt like I had fully grasped my category, I got the chance to dive into a new one. That's what I love about Allegro - you can explore different categories, roles, and opportunities within the same company"
- Kamila
Different categories often bring their specific challenges - understanding market dynamics for school supplies is far removed from managing apparel's seasonal collections and trends. For example, in the Office category, products are straightforward - there are usually no sizes and some clear best-sellers, like a universally favored type of paper. Contrast this with fashion, where variables like sizes, seasonal collections, and forecasting demand based on the weather or incoming trends make it more complex. That's why a transition between categories often requires re-tuning one's analytical skills and adapting a strategic approach to align with the elements of new dynamics, making it an exciting challenge.
#goodtobehere a Category Owner
So, why is Allegro a great place to work, especially in a role as demanding as a Category Owner?
“Allegro balances structure and flexibility perfectly. The company is mature enough to have established systems and processes, which provides a stable environment, but at the same time, there’s room for creativity and trying out new ideas, and that’s rare. Plus, it's pretty cool to work at the largest online marketplace in Poland and feel that you're making a real impact on the Polish market"
- Ola
The people make a significant difference, too.
"Allegro is full of incredibly kind and supportive people. This isn't just isolated to one department but spans across all areas, from technology to analytics. Contrary to stereotypes, everyone here is approachable and eager to help. Conversations are marked by mutual respect and a genuine desire to understand each other’s perspectives, regardless of our different fields. This collaborative spirit, coupled with numerous opportunities for growth in a respectful and comfortable environment, makes Allegro truly special. People feel free to express their opinions and share ideas without fear - it’s fantastic."
- Kamila
All in all…
Being a Category Owner at Allegro combines the best of both worlds: the thrill of variety and the stability of structure. From diving into data to make informed decisions, negotiating with partners, planning major campaigns, to constantly adapting and learning, the role is dynamic and rewarding.
If you’re someone who thrives on challenges, enjoys cross-departmental collaboration, and loves to see real results from your efforts, then this role might just be your calling. Allegro offers the kind of working environment where you not only grow professionally but also make meaningful contributions to one of Poland’s largest and most beloved online marketplaces.
Working at Allegro isn't just a job; it's a journey of continuous growth, learning, and achievement. And as we’ve seen, the Category Owner role is at the heart of this vibrant ecosystem, driving both personal and organizational success.