Job Description

We are looking for an individual to drive high-performing category teams to deliver the commercial performance of the Everyday Essentials Category. The role involves executing our range strategy and value proposition to ensure remains the first-choice health and beauty retailer, grow market share, achieve and exceed category financial targets, and deliver 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