Category Manager _ Electric Scooters

Smdtechnologies; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading electric mobility company in Johannesburg seeks an experienced Category Manager to develop and manage a new division focused on electric scooters. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in category management, including vendor negotiations and product sourcing. This strategic position requires excellent analytical and decision-making skills and a track record of successful product launches. Competitive compensation and opportunities for travel are included.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience as a Category Manager, Product Manager, or similar role.
• Strong track record of launching and scaling new product categories.
• Industry knowledge and network in electric mobility or automotive.

Responsibilities

• Lead the setup, launch, and ongoing management of the electric scooter product category.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis to identify growth opportunities.
• Develop and implement pricing and go-to-market strategies.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Market analysis

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

BI tools

ERP systems

Retail platforms

Job description

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and driven Category Manager to establish, develop, and manage a new division focused on Electric Scooters. This is a high-impact role suited to an individual with strong industry knowledge, a deep understanding of the target market, and existing relationships within the electric mobility ecosystem.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the end-to-end category development – including product sourcing, vendor negotiations, pricing, marketing, sales strategy, and profitability. The role requires both strategic vision and hands-on execution, making it ideal for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset and strong commercial acumen.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the setup, launch, and ongoing management of the electric scooter product category.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis to identify trends, growth opportunities, and consumer preferences.
• Define the category vision, positioning, and roadmap in line with the company’s overall growth strategy.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier and vendor relationships, ensuring competitive pricing, quality, and availability.
• Negotiate commercial terms and agreements, including distribution and exclusivity deals where applicable.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, operations, and merchandising teams to drive product visibility and promotion.
• Develop and implement pricing, promotional, and go-to-market strategies to maximize profitability and customer engagement.
• Forecast demand, plan inventory levels, and monitor product performance to meet sales and margin targets.
• Develop exit or re-alignment strategies for underperforming products.
• Take ownership of the category including budgeting, revenue growth, and cost control.
• Stay up to date with regulatory changes and compliance requirements relevant to the electric mobility sector.

Requirements and Skills

• Proven experience (5+ years) as a Category Manager, Product Manager, or similar role, preferably in electric mobility,or automotive industry.
• Industry knowledge and network within the electric scooter or electric vehicle (EV) segment is essential.
• Strong track record of launching and scaling new product categories or divisions.
• Solid understanding of category management, sales, and marketing principles.
• Excellent negotiation, vendor management, and communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with BI tools, ERP systems, or retail platforms is advantageous.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field.

Key Attributes

• Entrepreneurial spirit and self-starter attitude.
• Strong business and commercial orientation.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and drive collaboration.
• Passion for innovation and sustainability in the transport sector.
• Willingness to travel when necessary to engage suppliers and attend industry events.