Senior Retail Category Manager

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane is seeking a Senior Retail Category Manager to lead category strategies, optimize assortment, and drive profitability in the local market.

You will analyze market trends, negotiate with suppliers, plan pricing and promotions, and work with marketing, sales and operations to deliver impactful category plans in a dynamic retail environment.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in category management or related retail roles.
• Proven track record driving sales growth and profitability.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret market data.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Manage assortment planning and lifecycle for assigned categories.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and consumer insights.
• Negotiate with suppliers for favorable pricing, terms and promotional support.
• Develop pricing strategies to optimize revenue, margin and market share.
• Plan and execute promotional campaigns and in-store executions.
• Monitor performance, provide actionable insights and regular reports.
• Manage inventory to minimize markdowns and obsolescence.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales and operations to execute category plans.
• Drive innovation by identifying new products and trends.

Skills

Category management

Strategic thinking

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Pricing & promotions

Data analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration / Marketing / Commerce

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading retail giant, is seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Retail Category Manager to lead the development and execution of category strategies in their Polokwane operations. This pivotal role involves overseeing a specific product category, driving sales performance, optimizing product assortment, and ensuring profitability. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and supplier relationships within the retail sector. This is a significant opportunity to influence product offerings, drive commercial success, and contribute to the company's growth in a key market. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of your assigned categories, from product selection and pricing to promotional activities and inventory management, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives in Polokwane .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies aligned with overall company objectives and market opportunities.
• Manage product assortment planning, selection, and lifecycle management for assigned categories.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and threats.
• Negotiate effectively with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and promotional support.
• Develop and execute pricing strategies to optimize revenue, margin, and market share.
• Plan and implement effective promotional campaigns and in-store execution plans.
• Monitor category performance, analyze sales data, and provide regular reports with actionable insights and recommendations.
• Manage inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability while minimizing markdowns and obsolescence.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of category plans.
• Drive innovation within categories by identifying new products and emerging trends.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management, product management, or a related role within the retail industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing product categories, driving sales growth, and achieving profitability targets.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and market insights.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing pricing and promotional strategies.
• Proficiency in retail data analysis tools and financial modeling.
• Strong understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics relevant to the retail sector.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field.
• Experience in the specific retail sector relevant to Polokwane is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, performance-based incentives, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid and a provident fund. You will have the opportunity to work with a leading brand, influence product strategy, and drive significant commercial outcomes. Professional development and career advancement opportunities within a growing organization are readily available. The role offers a dynamic work environment in Polokwane , with significant autonomy and responsibility. Join a team that values strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative success. This is an excellent career move for an experienced category manager looking to make a substantial impact in the retail sector.