Retail Category Manager - Sandton

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses based on performance

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Staff discounts

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a strategic Category Manager for on-site duties in Sandton, Gauteng. You will craft category strategies, manage assortment, pricing, promotions, and supplier relationships to grow sales and margins.

Analyse market trends, collaborate with marketing and operations, and lead supplier negotiations to optimise stock and profitability. FMCG/retail experience and strong Excel skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing or related field; MBA preferred.
• 5+ years in category management, retail buying, or related FMCG/retail role.
• Proven track record in category management, driving sales and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies, including assortment planning and lifecycle management.
• Analyze market trends, competitors, and customer data to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, pricing and promotions.
• Optimize product assortment and inventory levels to maximize profitability.
• Develop pricing and promotional strategies to drive category objectives.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations for launches and campaigns.
• Monitor category KPIs and report to senior management.
• Identify and source new products and suppliers to enhance offering.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Excel

Retail math

Supplier relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Marketing

MBA or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Retail management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading retailer, is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager to oversee a specific product category for their operations in Sandton, Gauteng . This pivotal role involves developing and executing category strategies to drive sales, profitability, and market share. The Category Manager will be responsible for product assortment planning, pricing strategies, promotional activities, and supplier relationship management. This is a full-time, on-site position at our client's head office in the prestigious business district of Sandton . The successful candidate will possess strong business acumen, excellent negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of consumer purchasing behavior. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven professional to influence product offerings and contribute to the company's continued success in a competitive market.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies, including assortment planning, product lifecycle management, and sales forecasting. Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer data to identify opportunities for category growth. Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, pricing, and promotional support. Optimize product assortment and inventory levels to meet customer demand and maximize profitability. Develop and execute pricing and promotional strategies to drive sales and achieve category objectives. Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure successful product launches and campaigns. Monitor category performance against KPIs and prepare regular reports for senior management. Identify and source new products and suppliers to enhance the category offering. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and company policies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; MBA or equivalent experience preferred. A minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, retail buying, or a related role within the FMCG or retail sector. Proven track record of successfully managing product categories, driving sales growth, and improving profitability. Strong analytical, negotiation, and strategic planning skills. Excellent understanding of retail math, pricing strategies, and financial analysis. Proficiency in using retail management software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. Strong communication and presentation skills. Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Must be based in or able to commute regularly to Sandton, Gauteng .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and excellent benefits, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and significant staff discounts. You will have the opportunity to work with a leading brand and contribute to strategic decision-making. Professional development and career advancement opportunities are abundant for high achievers. Join our dynamic team in Sandton and play a key role in shaping the future of our product offerings.