04 / 23 / 2025 | Vacancy Category Manager-Jhb-#609-04

Tarsus Technology Group; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Gauteng is seeking a driven Category Manager to oversee the Buy-Back Programme and Previously Loved Goods category. This pivotal role focuses on maximizing product lifecycle value through innovative recommerce strategies. The ideal candidate will possess strong commercial acumen and operational discipline, driving circular economy initiatives. Responsibilities include managing pricing, inventory, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize performance. If you are passionate about sustainability and ready for a challenge, this office-based position could be your next career move.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the company's buy-back strategy.
• Own profit and loss for Previously Loved Goods category.
• Document actions and decisions for project administration.

Skills

Data-driven mindset

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Education

Grade 12 or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

eCommerce platforms

Inventory planning tools

Job description

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, including pricing, inventory, and go-to-market strategies for refurbished, returned, and PLG products.

The ideal candidate combines 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 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 skills; comfortable working across departments and at senior levels. Experience 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 with a proactive problem-solving approach. Strong communicator capable of aligning diverse teams around common goals.

Responsibilities

Project Administration: Document actions and decisions, ensure approval before distribution, maintain project documentation on SharePoint, schedule meetings, support project team, update key project logs and reports, and stay informed on industry practices.
Buy-Back Programme: Develop and manage the company's buy-back strategy, define pricing models, collaborate cross-functionally, track performance, and optimize participation and margins.
Previously Loved Goods Category Management: Own profit and loss, set targets, develop pricing and promotional strategies, work with product and refurbishment partners, optimize inventory and SKU lifecycle, and identify expansion opportunities.

This is an office-based position in the Woodmead branch. A more comprehensive job description will be available upon application. All qualifications will be verified by an independent provider.

Please note: The company is under no obligation to fill this position. If you do not receive feedback within 2 weeks of applying, consider your application unsuccessful.