Category Manager

The Legends Agency; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail home-improvement brand is seeking a Category Manager to shape and implement category strategies while driving sales and profitability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in category management and a customer-focused mindset. This role requires excellent analytical skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively. With opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment, this position is ideal for proactive individuals eager to make an impact.

Benefits

Career pathways

Continuous learning

Progress bonus tied to success

Qualifications

• Experience in category management, product management, or a similar retail/FMCG role.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights.
• Organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement category strategies aligned with market trends.
• Conduct continuous market and competitor analysis.
• Oversee product selection, pricing, and lifecycle management.

Skills

Category management

Data analysis

Supplier negotiation

Merchandising principles

Customer-focused mindset

Job description

Category Manager

Shape category strategy and growth for a leading retail home‑improvement brand.

Fourways, Johannesburg | Retail / FMCG | Category & Product Management

Salary: R60 000 to R80 000 per month

About Our Client

Our client is a fast‑growing retail group in the home improvement and DIY sector, offering strong, relevant product ranges supported by a customer‑first mindset. Operating in a competitive and fast‑moving market, they use data‑driven decision‑making to stay ahead and continuously refine their offer. The culture is built on respect, commitment, trust, and autonomy, with open communication and collaboration at every level. With clear career pathways, ongoing learnin,g and a progress bonus tied to shared success, this is a place where you can grow while making a meaningful impact.

The Role: Category Manager

As Category Manager, you will take full strategic and operational ownership of assigned product categories. The role exists to shape and implement category strategies, optimise the product lifecycle, and drive both sales and profitability. You will ensure your categories offer a compelling customer experience while supporting overall business objectives. Working closely with the Group Market Leader and cross‑functional teams, you’ll contribute directly to achieving commercial and operational targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement category strategies aligned with market trends, customer needs, and the overall offer strategy
• Conduct continuous market and competitor analysis to identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and differentiation
• Integrate customer insights and feedback into category plans
• Oversee product selection, pricing, merchandising, and full lifecycle management for assigned categories
• Collaborate with suppliers to negotiate terms, ensure availability, and maintain quality standards
• Monitor category performance metrics, including sales, margin, stock, and inventory turnover
• Implement corrective plans to address underperforming products or ranges
• Work with marketing, supply chain, and internal teams to execute category plans and promotional activities
• Prepare and present updates, reports, and insights to the Group Market Leader and leadership teams

About You

• Experience in category management, product management, or a similar retail/FMCG role
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable plans
• Skilled in supplier negotiation, lifecycle management, and merchandising principles
• Organised, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Collaborative, proactive, and comfortable working cross‑functionally
• Customer‑focused mindset with a drive for continuous improvement and commercial results