Automotive Product Category Manager - Gauteng

SUMMARY:
Remuneration: R50 000 CTC (inclusive of Medical aid and Pension/Provident fund)
 
Purpose Of The Job:
 
An exciting opportunity is available with our client, a well-established leader in the Independent Automotive Aftermarket for an experienced Automotive Product Category Manager.
This role is ideally suited to a commercially minded professional with a strong understanding of automotive aftermarket products, category management, pricing strategies, supplier relationships, and market analysis. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving category growth, improving product performance, maximising profitability, and ensuring the business remains competitive through effective product portfolio management and strategic decision-making.
The successful candidate will play a key role in identifying new market opportunities, enhancing existing product ranges, developing supplier partnerships, and supporting sales growth through data-driven analysis and category-focused initiatives.

POSITION INFO:
Responsibilities:
Product & Category Management

• Manage and develop assigned product categories in line with business objectives and market opportunities
• Maintain and optimise product ranges based on customer demand, market trends, and profitability
• Identify opportunities for new product introductions, range extensions, and category expansion
• Develop and present business cases supporting new product launches and category initiatives
• Conduct ongoing competitor analysis, market research, and benchmarking activities
• Monitor product lifecycle performance and implement strategies to maximise category success
• Ensure all products comply with required specifications, quality standards, and relevant legislation

• Analyse category sales performance, profitability, margins, market share, and product trends
• Develop and maintain competitive pricing strategies aligned with business objectives
• Monitor product performance and implement corrective actions where required
• Identify opportunities to improve category profitability and sales growth
• Analyse customer buying patterns and market demand to support commercial decision-making
• Prepare regular performance reports and recommendations for senior management

• Build, develop, and maintain strong relationships with local and international suppliers
• Negotiate pricing structures, trading agreements, rebates, promotional support, and commercial terms
• Evaluate supplier performance against agreed service levels and business objectives
• Identify and onboard new suppliers where appropriate to strengthen category offerings
• Work closely with suppliers to support product launches, promotions, and market growth initiatives

• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and branch teams to drive category growth and customer engagement
• Support product launches, promotional campaigns, and category marketing initiatives
• Provide product training and technical support to internal stakeholders and customers where required
• Develop sales support tools, product presentations, and market intelligence reports
• Evaluate promotional effectiveness and recommend future growth opportunities

• Monitor stockholding and product availability to support customer demand and sales objectives
• Work closely with supply chain and planning teams to ensure optimal inventory levels
• Identify and manage slow-moving, excess, or obsolete stock within assigned categories
• Assist with forecasting activities and inventory planning to support category performance

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Commerce, Marketing, Supply Chain, Business Management, or related in the Automotive environment
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience within Automotive Product Management, Category Management, Aftersales, Parts Management, or a related Automotive Aftermarket environment
• Strong understanding of Automotive Aftermarket products, product lifecycle management, and category development
• Proven experience in pricing strategy, product performance analysis, and commercial decision-making
• Strong supplier negotiation and supplier relationship management experience
• Advanced analytical, commercial, and financial acumen
• Strong ERP systems experience with advanced Excel proficiency
• Previous Independent Automotive Aftermarket experience highly advantageous
• Motor Industry experience Essential