Category Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client is looking for a Category Manager to join their team in Johannesburg

POSITION INFO:
Roles and Responsibilities
Category Manager (Retail)
Location: Fourways, Johannesburg (Head Office)
Type: Full-Time | Office-Based (100% On-site)
Salary: Market related
Working Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 or 09:00 – 18:00 (5-day work week)
 
Benefits:

• 1-month performance bonus
• Quarterly progress bonus
• 21 days annual leave (dependent on start date)
• Eligibility for company share scheme
• Pension fund (10% split between Employer and Employee)
• Medical aid (50/50 contribution) included in CTC

 
Please note: The salaries offered by our clients are determined in accordance with market standards, while considering the candidate's qualifications, skills, and level of experience
 
Start Date: Urgent requirement
 
Our client is seeking a results-driven Category Manager to develop and deliver category strategy, ensuring a strong, relevant and profitable offer that meets the needs of South African customers. This role focuses on driving category performance across sales, margins, stock, customer satisfaction and commercial impact in a fast-paced retail environment.
 
Minimum Requirements:
 

• Proven Category Manager / Buyer experience within retail (non-food experience essential)
• Relevant tertiary qualification
• Strong commercial and analytical capability
• Ability to manage complex supplier relationships
• Strategic thinking with strong execution skills

 
Key Responsibilities:
 
Category Strategy & Market Insights:

• Develop a data-driven omnichannel category strategy aligned to market and customer trends
• Conduct store visits, surveys, reviews and market analysis to identify growth opportunities
• Build 3-year strategic plans and annual action plans

 
Range & Supplier Management:

• Build relevant and sustainable product ranges using structured range frameworks
• Define category architecture and supplier strategies
• Manage and negotiate with local and international suppliers

 
Pricing, Promotions & Commercial Performance:

• Define pricing rules with internal pricing teams
• Select products for promotional activity
• Monitor competitor pricing and product assortments

 
Merchandising & E-Commerce Alignment:

• Align in-store merchandising and layouts with commercial strategy
• Ensure online product content and value propositions are accurate and aligned
• Maintain end-to-end customer value consistency

 
Operational Excellence & Store Collaboration:

• Partner with stores to drive execution, availability and customer satisfaction
• Act quickly on quality, availability and customer concerns

 
AI, Digital Tools & Productivity:

• Leverage AI tools to improve research, analytics and efficiency
• Coach team members on digital adoption

 
People Leadership:

• Lead and develop Product Management and Data Quality Specialists
• Drive team performance through KPIs, reviews and development plans

 
Compliance & Governance:

• Ensure compliance with product regulations and company policies
• Promote responsible sourcing and sustainable category development

 
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
 

• Turnover and margin growth
• Stock holding and stock days
• Market share improvement
• Supplier negotiation outcomes
• Category P&L performance
• Customer ratings and range quality
• Online data accuracy and operational execution
• Team development and performance

 
Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Employment Details
Employment Type:
Permanent Employment
Industry:
Wholesale and Retail
Work space preference:
Work Onsite
Ideal work province:
Gauteng
Ideal work city:
Johannesburg
Salary bracket:
R 30000 - 50000
Drivers License:
CODE B (Car)
Own car needed:
No

 

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