Portfolio Manager

About the position

To develop and ensure effective execution of the category operating plan (financial and product execution) for a portfolio of categories in order to achieve the business objectives.
JOB OBJECTIVES

• Develop and ensure effective execution of the category operating plan (financial and product execution) for a portfolio of categories to achieve business objectives
• Review top-down and bottom-up financial plans with the Planning Portfolio Manager, ensuring weekly reporting against targets
• Manage a team of Category Buyers and Managers, set ambitious goals, and develop improvement plans for product ranging, pricing strategies, cross-sales, merchandising, and promotion management
• Critically evaluate and sign off category range reviews to improve profitability, product offering, and market share
• Implement space and range principles to deliver impactful in-store execution
• Oversee strategic meetings with key suppliers, strengthening relationships and driving commercial results
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of the operating plan
• Track global and local category developments/trends to ensure relevance to customers
• Identify opportunities to streamline operations, drive departmental efficiencies, manage departmental expense budgets, and reduce expenses
• Build high-performing teams through effective people management, recruitment, and development aligned with transformation targets

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Job Knowledge:

• Operating plan development
• Supplier relationship management
• Procurement and supply chain
• Business objectives and strategies
• Business processes
• Retail management
• Market trends and competitor analysis
• Supplier co-op negotiations and trading terms
• Financial planning and budgeting
• Employee relations and performance management
• Knowledge of relevant legislation

Job Experience:

• 46 years FMCG Category Management experience
• 23 years People Management experience at senior level
• Experience with local and global supplier networks essential

Education:

• B Degree or Diploma in Retail, Purchasing Management, or similar (Desirable)
• Business Science, B.Comm, MBA, CIS (Desirable)

JOB-RELATED SKILLS

• Ability to drive and motivate teams
• Strong financial/business acumen with a merchant mindset
• Strong negotiation skills
• Planning and organisational skills
• Ability to build strong supplier relationships
• Proven track record managing commercial teams in a fast-changing environment
• Competency in computer packages (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Attention to detail
• Project management skills

Desired Skills:

• • Operating plan development
• Project management skills
• • Retail Management