Category Manager (Back 2 School) (JHB Onsite)

Datafin; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading School Supplies Specialist based in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced Category Manager to oversee its Back-to-School Department. This role involves managing staff, sales, finance, and stock management, while developing effective sales strategies in alignment with national objectives. The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of management experience, a strong understanding of stationery products, particularly BTS items, and advanced skills in Microsoft Office. A valid driver's licence is required. The position offers a dynamic work environment where creative and strategic thinking is essential.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in a Management role or similar.
• Advanced computer literacy in Microsoft Office.
• Extensive knowledge of stationery products, specifically BTS items.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Back-to-School (BTS) Department end-to-end.
• Develop sales strategies in line with the national strategy.
• Conduct staff training and development.

Skills

Management skills

Sales strategy development

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Degree/Diploma in Business Studies or Sales and Marketing Management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Category Manager (Back 2 School) (JHB Onsite)

Media/Marketing/Sales

Johannesburg – Gauteng – South Africa

Environment

A leading School Supplies Specialist seeks a highly strategic & target-driven Category Manager to manage its Back-to-School (BTS) Department which will include staff, sales, finance, admin and stock management. You will develop the sales strategy for your category in line with the national strategy, analyse school business and initiate corrective and improvement plans while ensuring achievement of regional BTS GP budget. You will require Matric/Grade 12, a minimum of 10 years of experience in a Management role or similar with extensive knowledge and understanding of stationery products, specifically BTS items.

Duties

• Management of the Back-to-School (BTS) Department. End to end. (Includes, Staff, sales, finance, admin, stock management, etc.).
• Manage income and expenses of department.
• Define departmental roles and responsibilities.
• Staff training and development.
• Effectively manage regional anomalies within BTS Department.
• Price and margin management for schools category.
• Management and creation of school supply agreements etc.
• Stock management and ability to plan and order stock, accordingly, including forecasting.
• Regional marketing.
• Continuous communication with distribution centres, finance, retail stores and other internal departments.
• Manage school relationships (teachers and school bodies).
• Strategic Planning and ability to translate such into operational plans.
• Attend new product launches.
• Organise BTS events.
• Develop sales strategy for your category in line with the national strategy for the category.
• Analyse school business and initiate corrective and improvement plans.
• Project manage all regional annual BTS launches and make sure they are all successful.
• Relationship with the Reps to promote buy in to the BTS category.
• Regular interaction with customers and calling with sales force.
• Educate Reps and make them comfortable to sell the BTS concept and product.
• Ensure achievement of regional BTS GP budget.
• Develop, monitor and maintain call cycles for yourself and Sales staff.
• Identify sales by product category/customer.
• Utilise and monitor sales reporting tools.
• Familiarity with price lists/own products/competitor products.
• Working relationship with BTS supplier base

Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12.
• Degree/Diploma in Business Studies or Sales and Marketing Management will be advantageous.
• At least 10 years of experience in a Management role or similar.
• Advanced Computer Literacy in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent management skills.
• Prior experience in a similar environment would be an advantage.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of stationery products, specifically BTS items.
• Knowledge of sources of supply.
• Numerical skills and an aptitude for numbers.
• The candidate should be strong on business development by sourcing new sales opportunities.
• Proven track record of over-achieving deliverables.
• Appropriate technical expertise, sound sales background and ability to provide product support and customer service.
• The candidate should be a consultative seller, maintain and grow the portfolio.
• Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Valid Drivers Licence and own reliable vehicle.

Attributes

• Appreciates systems and technology.
• Strong affinity to process and systems implementation.
• Exceptional organisational skills.
• Superior ability to organize, plan and manage deadlines in an extremely high-paced environment.
• Strong decision-making skills.
• Interpersonal and social skills. Ability to deal with people at all levels in a professional, polite and enthusiastic manner, always presenting themselves and the company professionally.
• Assertive personality with excellent communication skills.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, efficiency, and speed.
• Superior administrative skills and abilities.
• The ability to interrogate data electronically and produce spread sheets for analysis, interpretation and interrogation.
• Aptitude and understanding of general business and commercial principles.
• The applicant should be professional, willing to learn, flexible, and responsive to change.
• Energetic, creative, innovative and enthusiastic individual who has a passion for sales.