Lead Category Manager - Perishables

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Staff discounts

Leadership training

Retirement planning

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Lead Category Manager for a top supermarket chain in Cape Town. You will drive perishables category strategy, manage supplier relationships, and optimize pricing, assortment and promotions to boost sales and margins.

The role requires strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration to deliver exceptional value to consumers. The position emphasizes market insight, brand integrity, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on freshness, availability, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain or related field; Master’s degree an advantage.
• 7+ years in category management, retail merchandising, or similar role with perishables focus.
• Proven ability to drive sales growth, margins, and manage supplier negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of perishables market, sourcing, supply chain dynamics, and consumer behavior.
• Analytical mindset with ability to read sales data and financial reports.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for perishable goods (produce, dairy, bakery, deli).
• Manage end-to-end supplier relationships including sourcing, negotiating, contracts, performance reviews.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends and opportunities for innovation.
• Optimize product assortment, placement, and promotions for sales and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations, and merchandising to enhance customer experience.
• Analyze sales, feedback, and inventory to drive data-informed decisions.
• Develop and manage budget including forecasts and expenses.
• Lead and mentor a team of category specialists and buyers.

Skills

Category management

Retail merchandising

Supplier negotiations

Team leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Supply Chain

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

MS Office

Retail analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading supermarket chain renowned for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Category Manager to oversee their Perishables division. This high-profile position, based in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA , involves strategic planning, supplier relationship management, and P&L responsibility for a critical product category. You will be responsible for driving category growth, enhancing product assortment, optimizing pricing strategies, and ensuring the highest standards of product freshness and availability. This role requires a dynamic leader with a keen eye for market trends and a passion for delivering exceptional value to consumers. You will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our client's perishable offerings, working from our state-of-the-art facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative category strategies for all perishable goods, including fresh produce, dairy, bakery, and deli.
• Manage end-to-end supplier relationships, including sourcing, negotiation, contract management, and performance evaluation.
• Conduct regular market analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive threats, and opportunities for innovation.
• Optimize product assortment, placement, and promotional activities to maximize sales and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations, quality standards, and ethical sourcing practices.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, operations, and merchandising teams to create compelling customer experiences.
• Analyze sales data, customer feedback, and inventory metrics to drive data-informed decisions.
• Develop and manage the category's budget, including sales forecasts and expense management.
• Lead and mentor a team of category specialists and buyers within the perishables department.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field; a Master's degree is a strong advantage.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in category management, retail merchandising, or a similar strategic role, with a significant focus on perishables.
• Demonstrated success in driving sales growth, improving margins, and managing complex supplier negotiations.
• In-depth knowledge of the perishables market, including sourcing, supply chain dynamics, and consumer behavior.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data, financial reports, and market research.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency in retail analytics tools and MS Office Suite.
• Experience with promotional planning and execution.
• A passion for food and a commitment to quality.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a significant performance-based bonus structure.

• Our client provides an excellent benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning, and substantial staff discounts.
• Continuous professional development opportunities are available, including leadership training and industry conferences.