Category Manager

About this role

SPAR Western Cape is looking for a Category Manager based in Cape Town. The role focuses on growing turnover and market share for the distribution centre (DC) and its retailers through careful planning, buying and sales strategy.

What you’ll do

• Meet and beat the sales and profit budgets and targets for the DC and retail stores.
• Negotiate prices that stay competitive with rivals while keeping retail margins on budget.
• Work with suppliers, retailers and the DC’s buying, retail operations and logistics teams to build loyalty and an edge in the market.
• Plan and run promotions, both ad hoc and regional, to grow volume at store level.
• Track supplier service levels, including order fill, out-of-stocks, stock days, stock turn and distribution at retail.
• Take full responsibility for your categories.
• Build strong working relationships with suppliers and with store owners and managers.
• Lead product development, innovation and other sales projects, and help retailers with store standards, ranging, pricing and in-store promotions.
• Lead a support team.

What you need

• Matric.
• A degree or diploma in marketing or purchasing.
• At least 3 years’ retail or FMCG experience in a marketing role.
• Experience in sales, including managing and developing customer relationships.
• Buying and category management experience.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.
• Thorough knowledge of buying systems and processes.
• Solid knowledge of product ranges within a supermarket.
• Financial insight, leadership skills and attention to detail.
• Strong drive and initiative, with a good sense of urgency and the ability to solve problems under pressure.

Is this job for you?

This job suits an experienced buyer or marketer who understands the supermarket trade. You should enjoy negotiating, working to targets and leading a team in a fast-paced setting.

Tips before you apply

• Have your matric certificate and degree or diploma certificates ready to upload.
• Show your retail or FMCG marketing experience with figures, such as sales growth, margin results or range changes you led.
• Give clear examples of supplier negotiations and any team you have led, with the outcome of each.

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