Hybrid Retail Category Lead – Strategy & Growth

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Competitive salary with bonus

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Retail Category Manager for a hybrid role based in Sandton, Gauteng. You will drive category performance across channels, develop strategies, manage assortments, pricing, and promotions, and collaborate with buying, marketing, and store operations to hit sales and profitability targets.

The role requires strong analytics, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of consumer trends, with in-person planning sessions in Sandton and flexible remote work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; Master's preferred.
• 5–7 years in category management, retail buying, or product management.
• Proven track record growing retail product categories.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Analyze market trends and consumer behavior to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage end-to-end product lifecycle for assigned categories.
• Optimize assortment, pricing and promotions to maximize sales and margin.
• Collaborate with marketing to execute campaign strategies for categories.
• Work with store operations and e-commerce teams for launches and presentation.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate favorable terms.
• Monitor performance and report on key metrics and insights.
• Identify and drive initiatives to improve customer experience.
• Lead cross-functional teams to execute category plans.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Retail management systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Retail Category Manager for a hybrid role based in Sandton, Gauteng. You will drive category performance across channels, develop strategies, manage assortments, pricing, and promotions, and collaborate with buying, marketing, and store operations to hit sales and profitability targets.

The role requires strong analytics, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of consumer trends, with in-person planning sessions in Sandton and flexible remote work