Category Manager - Fashion Retail

Placements24; Sandton; Vor Ort; ZAR 900.000 - 1.300.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Executive-level package with bonus

Health and pension benefits

International travel for trend & buys

Staff discounts on luxury fashion

Prestigious brand exposure

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager for its Sandton operations in the luxury fashion sector. This role oversees fashion apparel and accessories, driving category strategies and ensuring profitable assortment decisions that align with the brand's exclusive positioning.

You'll lead buying and merchandising, manage supplier relationships, optimize pricing and promotions, and collaborate with marketing and visuals to create compelling in-store and online presentations.

Qualifikationen

• 5+ years in category management, buying, or merchandising in fashion retail.
• Proven track record of driving sales and profitability through category strategies.
• Deep knowledge of fashion market, trends, brands, and consumer behavior.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and financial management skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management capabilities.
• Proficiency in retail analytics software and Excel.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or related field.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for fashion and eye for style and product quality.

Aufgaben

• Develop and implement category strategies to drive sales, market share, and profitability.
• Analyze market trends, customer behavior, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats.
• Select and curate product assortments, ensuring alignment with brand positioning and customer demand.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and optimize buying processes.
• Develop pricing strategies and promotional plans to maximize revenue and margin.
• Monitor inventory levels and manage stock turn to minimize markdowns and ensure product availability.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams to develop effective in-store and online presentations.
• Manage category budgets and P&L, consistently meeting financial objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction to buying and merchandising teams.
• Stay abreast of global fashion trends, emerging designers, and innovative retail strategies.

Kenntnisse

Category management

Buying

Merchandising

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Financial management

Leadership

Excel

Retail analytics software

Brand management

Ausbildung

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

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Retail analytics software

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a leading luxury fashion retailer, is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Category Manager to oversee their fashion apparel and accessories categories for their Sandton operations. This pivotal role demands a deep understanding of the fashion market, strong commercial acumen, and proven expertise in merchandising, buying, and brand management. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies, driving sales, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring the profitability of their assigned categories. You will play a key role in shaping the product assortment, identifying emerging trends, and maintaining the brand's exclusive positioning. We are looking for an influential leader with a passion for fashion and a track record of success in category management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies to drive sales, market share, and profitability.
• Analyze market trends, customer behavior, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats.
• Select and curate product assortments, ensuring alignment with brand positioning and customer demand.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and optimize buying processes.
• Develop pricing strategies and promotional plans to maximize revenue and margin.
• Monitor inventory levels and manage stock turn to minimize markdowns and ensure product availability.
• Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams to develop effective in-store and online presentations.
• Manage category budgets and P&L, consistently meeting financial objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction to buying and merchandising teams.
• Stay abreast of global fashion trends, emerging designers, and innovative retail strategies.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, buying, or merchandising within the fashion retail industry.
• Proven track record of success in developing and executing category strategies that drive sales and profitability.
• Deep understanding of the fashion market, including trends, brands, and consumer behavior.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and financial management skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management capabilities.
• Proficiency in retail analytics software and strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and often ambiguous environment.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for fashion and a keen eye for style and product quality.

Benefits

• Our client offers an executive-level salary and benefits package for this Category Manager role in Sandton , commensurate with the extensive experience and strategic impact required.
• This includes a highly competitive base salary, significant bonus potential tied to category performance, and potentially long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits are provided, along with a generous pension contribution.
• Opportunities for international travel for buying and trend research are included.
• Employees enjoy exclusive staff discounts on high-end fashion products.
• This is a premier opportunity to shape the future of fashion retail within a prestigious and globally recognized brand.