Regional Category Manager - SPAR Group

A position has become available for a Regional Category Manager (CATMAN 2 - Build It) to join our dynamic team.

Job description

To provide strategic direction to the Build it KZN region through effective leadership of Category 2 consisting of the following Sub-Categories: Timber, Flat Sheet & Boards and Openings & Joinery. The incumbent is also responsible for building strategic partnerships with key regional suppliers to deliver competitive trade terms and category market share growth in KZN.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies that aligns with the overall Merchandise strategy and Group business goals.
• Works with Data Insights and specialists to establish competitive market trends, performance gaps and opportunities for improved return on stock at retail.
• Foster strong, collaborative and strategic partnerships with key, regional suppliers based on clear category growth strategies and plans.
• Works closely with suppliers in joint business planning processes that review key performance indicators (KPIs) and agree actions.
• Identifies and addresses potential risks such as supply chain disruptions, quality issues and capacity constraints.
• Pricing policy leadership across regional team departments and to retailers.
• Analyse the performance of categories to identify opportunities and develop action plans that improve retailer profitability for implementation.

• Develop category promotional strategies and plan to drive sales and increase market share versus competition.
• Engage with Regional Operations and Sales Teams on category strategies and plans, confirming regional focus and optimal service deliverables to retailers.
• Responsible for Regional Supplier Trade Agreement establishment, maintenance and improvements.
• In conjunction with National Category Manager, effectively launch house brand products at retail including effective execution with point-of-sale / and stands.
• Visit suppliers’ factories to ensure the capability of providing the right quality products at the right price and to be able to offer effective service levels to retailers.
• Negotiate and achieve budgeted drop shipment and retail gross profits.
• Analyses of sales data, market trends plus retailer and customer feedback to assess category performance on an ongoing basis.
• Initiate “killer deals” to improve Group buying volumes and show leadership to retailers regarding preferred suppliers.
• Provide product-ranging leadership for existing and new stores.

Minimum requirements

• Relevant Commercial, Marketing or Supply Chain Degree.
• 5 - 10 years of procurement and/or managing a retail store experience in the Hardware Retail environment.
• Knowledge of Timber, Flat Sheets and Board and Openings & Joinery will be an added advantage.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the retail supply and demand dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute category strategies and plans that drive category and retailer profitability growth.
• A high degree of confidentiality, emotional maturity, ethical values and integrity.
• Outstanding supplier partnership skills and strong customer orientation.
• Excellent coordination and team skills to support effective execution and market share growth.
• Has proven problem-solving capability in a fast-moving and dynamic setting, applying good judgment and responsiveness to emergent challenges.
• Strong Presentation, Negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Sound business and financial acumen.
• Quality-orientated and self-driven to achieve results.