Category Manager-Jhb-#609-04

Tarsus Distribution; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 40 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Category Manager to lead the Buy-Back Programme and Previously Loved Goods category. This pivotal role focuses on driving circular economy initiatives, maximizing product lifecycle value, and enhancing customer experience through effective buy-back strategies. The ideal candidate will blend commercial acumen with operational discipline, working cross-functionally to optimize performance and drive sustainability. If you're passionate about circular business models and ready for a challenge, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in category management or merchandising.
• Strong understanding of reverse logistics and buy-back programmes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the buy-back strategy for key product categories.
• Own the profit and loss for Previously Loved Goods categories.

Skills

Data-driven mindset

Stakeholder management

Margin management

Forecasting

Pricing

ERP systems

eCommerce platforms

Inventory planning tools

Education

Grade 12 or equivalent

Tools

SharePoint

Job description

Job Details

We’re looking for a driven and customer-focused Category Manager to lead the strategy, operations, and growth of our Buy-Back Programme and Previously Loved Goods (PLG) category. This is a pivotal role in driving circular economy initiatives and maximising the lifecycle value of our products through recommerce.

You’ll own the end-to-end management of buy-back schemes; from pricing and inventory to the go-to-market strategy for refurbished, returned, and PLGs. The ideal candidate blends commercial acumen with product insight and operational discipline.

If you are ready for the challenge, please apply.

Requirements

Education

• Grade 12 or equivalent.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in category management, product lifecycle, or merchandising, preferably in tech, electronics, or consumer goods.
• Strong understanding of reverse logistics, buy-back programmes, or recommerce models.
  
  

Skills

• Data-driven mindset with experience in margin management, forecasting, and pricing.
• Excellent stakeholder management - comfortable working across departments and at senior levels.
• Experience working with ERP systems, eCommerce platforms, and inventory planning tools is a plus.
  
  

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute and results-oriented.
• Passionate about sustainability and circular business models.
• Hands-on and entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to solving problems.
• Strong communicator with the ability to align diverse teams around a common goal.
  
  

Responsibilities

Project Administration

• Documenting actions and decisions during meetings, and ensuring approval from the chairperson before distribution.
• Creating and maintaining project documentation structures on SharePoint.
• Scheduling meetings and workshops, and providing administrative support to the project team.
• Updating key project management deliverables such as logs, slides, charters, and reports.
• Driving self-development and staying informed of industry changes and best practices.
• Collaborating with team members to foster a learning and growth environment.
  
  

Buy-Back Programme

• Develop and manage the company’s buy-back strategy for key product categories (e.g., electronics, tech, devices).
• Define pricing models and trade-in criteria based on product condition, demand forecasting, and market trends.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, sales, logistics, and customer support to ensure a seamless customer experience from trade-in to resale.
• Track performance and drive optimisations to improve participation rates and margin contribution.
  
  

Previously Loved Goods Category Management

• Own the profit and loss for PLG categories - setting targets, pricing strategies, and promotional plans.
• Work with product teams and refurbishment partners to assess, grade, and prepare goods for resale.
• Optimise inventory planning and SKU lifecycle to reduce excess and improve sell-through.
• Identify and implement opportunities for category expansion, customer segmentation, and channel-specific sales initiatives.
  
  

Additional

• Reliable transport.
• This is an office-based position in the Woodmead branch.
  
  

A more comprehensive job description will be available upon application.

All required qualifications will be verified by an independent provider on behalf of Tarsus.

Please note: The company is under no obligation to fill this position, should you not have had any feedback within 2 weeks of submitting your application, you may consider your application unsuccessful.