Our client is looking for an experienced and proactive National Category Manager to provide strategic direction and effective leadership of the Category. The incumbent is also responsible for building strategic partnerships with key national suppliers to deliver competitive trade terms and category market share in Southern Africa. Based in Pinetown.
Qualifications:
- Matric, Degree / Diploma – Marketing or related – required
- 10 years’ experience in a buying/procurement role specific to Decorative, General Hardware and Tools, Wall and Floor
- 5-10 years buying experience in Hardware Retail environment specifically to this category
- 5 years’ experience in-store retail management experience – essential
- Exceptional negotiation and communication skills
- Sound business and financial acumen
- Computer literacy- Advanced Excel/PowerPoint
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute category strategies and plans that drive category growth
- Willing to travel extensively
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive national sales and GP% budgets of Category
- 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 Category strategy and align it with the Merchandise and Group strategy
- Responsible for Regional Supplier Trade Agreements and approvals.
- Manage supply chain and conduct regular meetings with regional and national suppliers
- Analyse performance of the category 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 in respect of the category related issues
- Initiate regular Discounts / Special Deals to improve volumes and show leadership to retailers regarding preferred suppliers
- Works with Data Insights specialists to establish competitive market trends, performance gaps and opportunities
- Builds high performance, professional category communities with regular reviews and input to support execution on agreed actions
- Analyses sales data and market trends plus retailer and customer feedback to assess category performance on an ongoing basis
The ideal applicant will satisfy the following skills requirements:
- A high degree of confidentiality, emotional maturity, ethical values and integrity
- Excellent co-ordination and team skills to support effective execution and market share growth
- Has proven problem-solving capability in a fast-moving and dynamic setting, applying good judgment and responsiveness to emergent challenges
- Quality orientated and self-driven to achieve results
To apply, please send your CV to yvette@dixierecruitment.co.za
