Senior Category Manager - Fashion Retail

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a leading national fashion retailer in Sandton, seeks a Senior Category Manager to oversee fashion apparel categories from head office. You will develop category strategies, optimize assortments, manage supplier relationships, and drive pricing and promotions.

Ideal candidate has 7–10 years in category management in fashion retail, strong analytics, leadership, and negotiation skills; based in Sandton or willing to relocate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Admin, Fashion Merchandising, or related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in category management, buying, or merchandising.
• Strong analytical, financial acumen, and negotiation skills.
• Experience in fashion retail with leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic category plans and assortment strategies.
• Analyze sales data, trends, and competitive dynamics.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate terms.
• Lead merchandising teams and manage budgets.
• Oversee pricing and promotional strategies to meet targets.
• Coordinate with marketing, VM and store ops.

Skills

Strategic planning

Merchandising

Buying

Supplier management

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Leadership

Communication

P&L analysis

Retail software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing

Fashion Merchandising degree

Tools

Retail management software

Assortment planning tools

P&L analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national fashion retailer, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Category Manager to oversee their extensive fashion apparel categories from their head office in Sandton, Gauteng . This influential role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive category strategies to drive sales, profitability, and market share. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in fashion retail, strong analytical skills, a keen understanding of market trends, and a proven track record in merchandising, buying, and supplier management. You will be instrumental in curating product assortments, managing supplier relationships, and optimizing pricing and promotional strategies to meet the evolving demands of the fashion-conscious consumer in Gauteng and nationally.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategic category plans, including assortment planning, product lifecycle management, and promotional strategies. Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and challenges within assigned fashion categories. Manage supplier relationships, negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and product allocations. Optimize product assortments to meet customer demand and maximize profitability for each category. Develop and execute pricing and promotional strategies to drive sales and achieve category financial targets. Collaborate with marketing, visual merchandising, and store operations teams to ensure cohesive brand presentation and execution. Manage category budgets, forecasts, and P&L performance effectively. Identify emerging fashion trends and translate them into actionable merchandise plans. Mentor and guide junior members of the merchandising team. Ensure effective inventory management within the category to minimize markdowns and maximize sell-through.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field. Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in category management, buying, or merchandising within the fashion retail industry. Proven success in developing and implementing effective category strategies that have driven significant sales and profit growth. Deep understanding of the fashion retail landscape, including current trends, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics. Exceptional analytical, financial acumen, and negotiation skills. Strong leadership and team management capabilities. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in retail management software, including assortment planning and P&L analysis tools. Must be based in or willing to relocate to Sandton, Gauteng . Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure commensurate with experience and the strategic importance of this role. You will have the opportunity to lead and shape the direction of key fashion categories for a major national retailer. This position provides significant career advancement opportunities within the organization. Benefits include comprehensive medical and retirement plans, generous staff discounts, and the chance to work in a stimulating and fashionable environment in Sandton . Drive the future of fashion retail in Gauteng .