Category Manager

About the position

Category Manager
Shape category strategy and growth for a leading retail home-improvement brand.
Fourways, Johannesburg | Retail / FMCG | Category & Product Management
Salary: R60 000 to R80 000 per month

About Our Client
Our client is a fast-growing retail group in the home improvement and DIY sector, offering strong, relevant product ranges supported by a customer-first mindset. Operating in a competitive and fast-moving market, they use data-driven decision-making to stay ahead and continuously refine their offer. The culture is built on respect, commitment, trust and autonomy, with open communication and collaboration at every level. With clear career pathways, ongoing learning and a progress bonus tied to shared success, this is a place where you can grow while making a meaningful impact.

The Role: Category Manager
As Category Manager, you will take full strategic and operational ownership of assigned product categories. The role exists to shape and implement category strategies, optimise the product lifecycle, and drive both sales and profitability. You will ensure your categories offer a compelling customer experience while supporting overall business objectives. Working closely with the Group Market Leader and cross-functional teams, youll contribute directly to achieving commercial and operational targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement category strategies aligned with market trends, customer needs, and the overall offer strategy
• Conduct continuous market and competitor analysis to identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and differentiation
• Integrate customer insights and feedback into category plans
• Oversee product selection, pricing, merchandising, and full lifecycle management for assigned categories
• Collaborate with suppliers to negotiate terms, ensure availability, and maintain quality standards
• Monitor category performance metrics, including sales, margin, stock, and inventory turnover
• Implement corrective plans to address underperforming products or ranges
• Work with marketing, supply chain, and internal teams to execute category plans and promotional activities
• Prepare and present updates, reports, and insights to the Group Market Leader and leadership teams

About You

• Experience in category management, product management, or a similar retail/FMCG role
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable plans
• Skilled in supplier negotiation, lifecycle management, and merchandising principles
• Organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative, proactive, and comfortable working cross-functionally
• Customer-focused mindset with a drive for continuous improvement and commercial results

Desired Skills:

• Category Management
• Strategic Sourcing
• Supplier Negotiation
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Sourcing management
• Buying Management
• Procurement Technology

Desired Work Experience:

• 2 to 5 years