Category Manager - Apparel

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Performance bonus

Profit sharing

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Employee discount

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Category Manager to lead the apparel assortment for Soweto stores in a hybrid role, balancing remote strategy with on-site engagement.

You will develop category plans, analyze market trends, negotiate with suppliers, and optimize pricing and promotions to grow sales and margin across the apparel range.

Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration are essential to succeed in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, merchandising, or buying, preferably in apparel retail.
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful category strategies.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with experience in P&L management.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Deep understanding of the apparel market, including trends, brands, and consumer behavior.
• Proficiency in retail management software and data analysis tools.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a hybrid environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic category plans to achieve sales and profit targets.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer behavior to inform category strategy.
• Manage the product assortment, including selection, sourcing, and introduction of new items.
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and promotional support.
• Develop and execute pricing and promotional strategies to maximize sales and margin.
• Oversee visual merchandising and product placement within stores and online to optimize presentation.
• Manage inventory levels for the category, ensuring optimal stock availability and minimizing markdowns.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure alignment of category strategies.
• Monitor category performance and provide regular reports and insights to senior management.
• Identify opportunities for category expansion and innovation.

Skills

Category management

Merchandising

Negotiation

P&L management

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field

Tools

Retail management software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading multi-brand retailer, is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to oversee their apparel division in the Soweto region. This hybrid role offers the flexibility to manage your category strategy from both a remote setting and by engaging with physical retail locations and teams. You will be responsible for driving sales and profitability for the apparel category through effective assortment planning, merchandising, pricing, and promotional strategies. The ideal candidate possesses strong market knowledge, excellent negotiation skills, and a proven track record in category management within the retail sector. This position is key to defining and executing the apparel offering that resonates with our client's diverse customer base.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic category plans to achieve sales and profit targets.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer behavior to inform category strategy.
• Manage the product assortment, including selection, sourcing, and introduction of new items.
• Negotiate with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and promotional support.
• Develop and execute pricing and promotional strategies to maximize sales and margin.
• Oversee visual merchandising and product placement within stores and online to optimize presentation.
• Manage inventory levels for the category, ensuring optimal stock availability and minimizing markdowns.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure alignment of category strategies.
• Monitor category performance and provide regular reports and insights to senior management.
• Identify opportunities for category expansion and innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, merchandising, or buying, preferably in apparel retail.
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful category strategies.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with experience in P&L management.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Deep understanding of the apparel market, including trends, brands, and consumer behavior.
• Proficiency in retail management software and data analysis tools.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a hybrid environment.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary up to R.
• Hybrid work model offering a blend of remote and in-office flexibility.
• Significant opportunities for career growth within a leading retail organization.
• Annual performance bonus and potential for profit sharing.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Generous employee discount on apparel and other retail products.
• Exposure to diverse and exciting fashion brands.
• Professional development programs and workshops.
• Strategic influence over a key product category for the company.