Category Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client, a long-standing JSE listed entity, seeks your Category Management experience to provide strategic direction to the South Rand region through effective leadership of the various Building Material Categories. You will also be responsible for building strategic partnerships with key regional suppliers to deliver competitive trade terms and category market share growth in the South Rand region.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Job Requirements:

• Degree or Diploma in Marketing, Commercial or Supply Chain.
• Minimum 10 years experience in buying/procurement role.
• Minimum 5 to 10 years’ buying experience in the Hardware Retail environment.
• Minimum 5 years experience, in-store retail management experience.

• Sound business and financial acumen.
• A high degree of confidentiality, emotional maturity, ethical values and integrity.
• Outstanding supplier partnership skills and strong customer orientation.
• Excellent co-ordination and team skills to support effective execution and market share growth.
• Proven problem-solving capability in a fast-moving and dynamic setting.
• Strong presentation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Quality orientated.
• Self-driven to achieve results.

• Drive growth, monitor and drive national sales and GP% budgets.
• Review the ranging and ordering of new product lines for new stores.
• Visit regional supplier factories with the Regional Category Managers to ensure they have capability to provide service at a national level.
• Improve loyalty of retailers in conjunction with Regional teams.
• Develop the strategy and align it with the Merchandise and Group strategy, to ensure effective buying.
• Responsible for Regional Supplier Trade Agreements and approvals.
• Manage supply chain and conduct regular meetings with regional and national suppliers.
• Analyse performance nationally to identify opportunities and develop action plans for implementation by the Regional Category Managers.
• Manage all promotional deals and pricing of promotions nationally.
• Negotiate and achieve budgeted drop shipment and retail gross profits.
• Effectively launch house brand products at retail including point-of-sale and stands.
• Offer leadership and advice to retailers.
• Initiate regular “killer deals” to improve volumes and show leadership to retailers regarding preferred suppliers.