Category Manager

Flink Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a results-driven Category Manager to enhance category strategy and performance in a fast-paced retail environment. This full-time, office-based role based in Johannesburg emphasizes strategic planning, supplier negotiation, and customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will leverage market insights for effective product management. The position offers a competitive salary and is crucial for driving turnover and margin growth.

Benefits

1-month performance bonus

Quarterly progress bonus

21 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Experience in retail, particularly non-food categories.
• Expertise in building data-driven strategies.
• Capability to conduct market analysis and identify growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver category strategy aligned with customer trends.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate effectively.
• Analyze competitor pricing and product assortments.

Skills

Proven Category Manager / Buyer experience

Strong commercial and analytical capability

Ability to manage complex supplier relationships

Strategic thinking

Execution skills

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Roles and Responsibilities

Category Manager (Retail)

Location: Fourways, Johannesburg (Head Office)

Type: Full-Time | Office-Based (100% On-site)

Salary: Market related

Working Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 or 09:00 – 18:00 (5-day work week)

Benefits

• 1-month performance bonus
• Quarterly progress bonus
• 21 days annual leave (dependent on start date)
• Eligibility for company share scheme
• Pension fund (10% split between Employer and Employee)
• Medical aid (50/50 contribution) included in CTC

Please note: The salaries offered by our clients are determined in accordance with market standards, while considering the candidate's qualifications, skills, and level of experience.

Start Date: Urgent requirement

Our client is seeking a results-driven Category Manager to develop and deliver category strategy, ensuring a strong, relevant and profitable offer that meets the needs of South African customers. This role focuses on driving category performance across sales, margins, stock, customer satisfaction and commercial impact in a fast‑paced retail environment.

Minimum Requirements

• Proven Category Manager / Buyer experience within retail (non‑food experience essential)
• Relevant tertiary qualification
• Strong commercial and analytical capability
• Ability to manage complex supplier relationships
• Strategic thinking with strong execution skills

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Market Insights

• Develop a data‑driven omnichannel category strategy aligned to market and customer trends
• Conduct store visits, surveys, reviews and market analysis to identify growth opportunities
• Build 3‑year strategic plans and annual action plans

Range & Supplier Management

• Build relevant and sustainable product ranges using structured range frameworks
• Define category architecture and supplier strategies
• Manage and negotiate with local and international suppliers

Pricing, Promotions & Commercial Performance

• Define pricing rules with internal pricing teams
• Select products for promotional activity
• Monitor competitor pricing and product assortments

Merchandising & E‑Commerce Alignment

• Align in‑store merchandising and layouts with commercial strategy
• Ensure online product content and value propositions are accurate and aligned
• Maintain end‑to‑end customer value consistency

Operational Excellence & Store Collaboration

• Partner with stores to drive execution, availability and customer satisfaction
• Act quickly on quality, availability and customer concerns

AI, Digital Tools & Productivity

• Leverage AI tools to improve research, analytics and efficiency
• Coach team members on digital adoption

People Leadership

• Lead and develop Product Management and Data Quality Specialists
• Drive team performance through KPIs, reviews and development plans

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with product regulations and company policies
• Promote responsible sourcing and sustainable category development

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Turnover and margin growth
• Stock holding and stock days
• Market share improvement
• Supplier negotiation outcomes
• Category P&L performance
• Customer ratings and range quality
• Online data accuracy and operational execution
• Team development and performance

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Employment Details

Employment Type: Permanent Employment

Industry: Wholesale and Retail

Work space preference: Work Onsite

Ideal work province: Gauteng

Ideal work city: Johannesburg

Salary bracket: R 30,000 - 50,000

Drivers License: CODE B (Car)

Own car needed: No