Category Specialist (Promotional Gifting & Corporate Clothing) | JHB

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
ENVIRONMENT: A leading retail group is seeking a Category Specialist who will be accountable for end-to-end management of the promotional gifting and corporate clothing category across their assigned region. This role combines category management expertise with commercial acumen and supplier relationship management to ensure the category remains competitive, on-trend, and profitable. Working closely with sales teams, marketing, supply chain, and procurement, the specialist provides product expertise, training, and support that enables effective customer engagement and category growth.   DUTIES: •       Develop, maintain, and refine the promotional gifting and corporate clothing product range aligned with market trends and customer demand; conduct regular market and competitor analysis to identify new product opportunities •       Source, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers; negotiate pricing, rebates, payment terms, and service level agreements to optimize commercial outcomes and ensure consistent supply •       Set and review category pricing to ensure competitiveness while protecting profit margins; monitor cost price movements and implement pricing adjustments aligned with business objectives •       Provide sales teams with product knowledge, training, and marketing collateral; respond to internal and customer queries relating to product specifications, availability, and customization •       Coordinate with supply chain and warehouse teams to maintain optimal stock levels; monitor stock turn and slow-moving inventory, implementing clearance strategies where necessary •       Compile regular category performance reports including sales trends, stock turn, margin analysis, and supplier scorecards; maintain accurate product and pricing data in ERP systems •       Monitor promotional products and corporate clothing industry trends; conduct competitor analysis and attend industry events to stay current with market developments and identify growth opportunities   REQUIREMENTS: Required Qualifications •       Relevant tertiary qualification in Marketing, Purchasing, Business Management, Supply Chain Management, or related field (Diploma or Degree) •       Solid experience in category management, buying, procurement, or product management with responsibility for supplier negotiation and product range development •       Experience in promotional gifting, corporate clothing, apparel, or FMCG industries with exposure to B2B sales environments and pricing\/margin management •       Proficiency with ERP and inventory systems | Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) | Quotation generation and pricing management tools •       Strong analytical skills, commercial awareness, and ability to balance competitiveness with profitability in a dynamic, trend-driven category   Preferred Qualifications •       Professional certifications in category management, procurement, or supply chain management •       Experience managing product categories with responsibility for seasonal and campaign-driven ranges •       Demonstrated success in supplier negotiation and building collaborative supplier partnerships   Key Skills & Capabilities •       Technical Skills : Category management | Supplier negotiation & relationship management | Market & competitor analysis | ERP & order management systems | Pricing & margin management | Product lifecycle management | Stock management & demand forecasting | Financial analysis Soft Skills : Commercial acumen | Analytical thinking & data interpretation | Communication & presentation | Negotiation & influencing | Stakeholder relationship management | Problem-solving & decision-making | Attention to detail | Proactive initiative