Strategic Category Manager

2 weeks ago


Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa A-Z Business Professionals Full time
Job Title: Strategic Category Manager

At A-Z Business Professionals, we're looking for a seasoned Strategic Category Manager to lead our merchandise planning efforts. As a key member of our team, you'll be responsible for driving sales and profitability through category management, sales, stock, OTB, and margin optimization.



Key Responsibilities:


  • Collate and manipulate data for manual input into planning tools
  • Forecast sales and stock based on current trends, performance, and opportunities
  • Ensure category stock holding aligns with budget and forecast, managing OTB accordingly
  • Make commercial recommendations based on current trade and propose actions
  • Analyze size curves at store level and other key user-defined attributes
  • Conduct seasonal analysis and post-mortem with corresponding strategy and range planning
  • Develop and translate departmental pre-season merchandise strategies into executable in-season plans
  • Establish pre-season sales and margin plans, including inventory levels
  • Manage allocation teams to balance inventory and assortment across stores
  • Provide financial strategies for sales, markdowns, inventory, and gross margin
  • Work closely with buyers and allocators to execute the range
  • Liaise with buying departments regarding style performance
  • Control budgets and manage supply chains for different categories/departments
  • Manage stock and produce accurate figures for analysis
  • Grade stores and calculate units buys for the buying team
  • Oversee and work with allocators to distribute stock to stores
  • Maintain store stock levels for core merchandise


Requirements:


  • Advanced knowledge of Excel, retail systems, and general computer skills
  • Ability to run pivot tables, do vlookup functions, and create/maintain advanced reports
  • Understanding of forecasting and interaction of key KPIs
  • Good articulation, written and verbal communication skills
  • Good numerical, analytical thinking, and logical problem-solving skills
  • Strong merchant, trader, and commercial mentality
  • Team collaborator with strategic and forward-thinking skills
  • Strong planning, organizing, administering, and coordinating skills
  • Ability to work independently and use initiative
  • Methodical, detail-oriented, and high level of accuracy
  • Punctual, deadline-driven, and outcomes-focused
  • Strong data handling capabilities
  • Attention to detail
  • Grade 12/Matric
  • Relevant 3-year degree/diploma
  • Min 3-5 years relevant retail planning experience, accountable for own area and managing allocators/order clerks
  • Apparel/accessories/footwear experience is preferable


We're looking for a highly skilled and experienced Strategic Category Manager to join our team. If you have a strong background in retail planning and a passion for driving sales and profitability, we'd love to hear from you.



About Us:

A-Z Business Professionals is a leading business solutions provider, dedicated to delivering exceptional services to our clients. Our team is passionate about what we do, and we're committed to excellence in everything we undertake.



How to Apply:

If you're interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application, including your resume and a cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We can't wait to hear from you



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