Senior Category Manager – DOSCM

Our client based in Somerset West, Western Cape are currently seeking the skills of a Senior Category Manager

The Senior Category Manager leads and executes the product and category management strategy for South Africa across all product groups, ensuring alignment with global brand direction, commercial priorities, and local market dynamics.
This role is responsible for a comprehensive range planning, strategic product selection, lifecycle management, demand forecasting, stock optimisation, and supplier engagement to maximise sales, margin, and overall category performance.
Through data‑driven decision‑making, cross‑functional collaboration, and strong commercial stewardship, the Senior Category Manager ensures the long‑term competitiveness, profitability, and growth of each category within the South African market.

Main job function

Range & Product Strategy
• Develop and implement seasonal and annual buying plans aligned with Company international brand strategy and local business objectives.
• Lead product selection across all categories
• Work closely with global counterparts to localise assortments for South Africa’s customer and climate profile.

Demand & Sales Forecasting
• Analyse historical data, market trends, and sales forecasts to create accurate demand plans.
• Work with planning and logistics teams to ensure product availability and optimal stock levels.

Supplier Management
• Manage relationships with Company global supply chain teams and other approved vendors.
• Liaise with international counterparts on product timelines, order placement, and availability.
• Ensure all sourcing aligns with brand standards for quality, ethics, and sustainability.

Stock Management
• Monitor and manage stock levels to minimise overstock and stockouts.
• Propose markdowns or promotional actions to optimise ageing stock in line with brand image.
• Ensure optimal balancing across our Distribution Centres and channels.
• Driving excellence in inventory management and upkeep across all channels; along with implementation of protocol to mitigate stock losses.
• Monitor rate of return and stock losses across all categories and make recommendations accordingly.

Product Launch & Merchandising
• Partner with marketing, ecommerce, and retail teams to support product launches and campaigns; monitoring and flagging delays in product launches to relevant stakeholders.

Pricing & Margin Management
• Set local retail and wholesale pricing strategies in line with global pricing guidelines and local market realities.
• Analyse profitability by SKU and category; recommend pricing changes as needed.

Reporting & Analysis
• Provide regular reporting on sales, stock, and profitability performance by range.
• Identify gaps and opportunities in the assortment and propose corrective action.

Carry out from time to time and as directed, tasks in addition to the above that will be both reasonable and within your capabilities.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.

Criteria
5–7 years of experience in a retail buying role, ideally within premium or international consumer brands.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with demand planning tools and Excel/ERP systems.
• Proficiency with Power BI for reporting purposes
• Excellent negotiation, supplier management, and communication skills.
• Deep understanding of the South African retail landscape and consumer behaviour.
• Appreciation for premium/luxury positioning and brand equity.
• Experience working with global stakeholders and adhering to brand governance.
• Commercial acumen and decision-making.
• Strategic thinking with attention to operational detail.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• High integrity and alignment with Company values.

Desirable:
Experience in Logility is advantageous
Experience with Salesforce Commerce Cloud or similar ecommerce platforms.
Familiarity with D365

A Consultant will be in touch if you are shortlisted for the position. Please consider your application unsuccessful should you not have been contacted within 2 weeks. We will keep your CV on our database and contact you should you match the criteria of any other vacancies.