Junior Category Manager

**Job Number**
- 71207

**Job Type**
- Permanent

**Job Title**
- Junior Category Manager

**Computer Skills**
- MS Office Suite

**Industry**
- Power and hand tools

**City**
- Ekurhuleni (East Rand)

**Province**
- Gauteng
- Job Purpose:
- Responsible for all aspects of category management, including identification of product from supplier, successfully bringing the product to market and ensuring product profitability and ROI, and ensuring all selling tools are updated and freely available.- Responsibilities/Duties:
- Achieve and exceed targeted turnover- Maintain and exceed GP % & Rands banked- Successsful launch of new products, increasing the ratio of sales of new products as a % of total sales- Achieve forecast unit sales- Maintain stock turn and inventory days- Submit Manco Reports- Monitor the accuracy of Contract Price List and maintain margins in line with company policy- Analyse markets to identify market threats and opportunities- Identify opportunity for new product introduction from current customers, new customers, or any other sources such as trade shows- Set up product manual as a ready reckoner for internal stakeholders that will include the technical specifications, USP of product and comparison with major competitors on features and prices- Provide in-store merchandise support by ensuring the best product presentation in stores- Regularly conduct profitability analysis and recommended product line/SKU addition, or rationalization- Actively manage the product portfolio to optimize total profitability- Serve as spokesperson and ensure communication with all stakeholders- Assess the market size for the identified new product and sales of major competitor in market, but not follow them blindly- Negotiate with and build relationships with suppliers.- Design buying and planning strategies regarding supplier’s alliances.- Ensure the efficient negotiation, establishment and maintenance of excellent service levels by planning and buying managers.- Deal with escalated supplier queries and problems- Address customer technical queries and complaints, Fill technical templates for customers.- Build relationship with top customers and adhere to call cycle- Train on product related topics to customer, its sales force, etc.- Drive awareness of products to customers and industry events and across all channels- Provide product related support for any new product launch campaigns, Create and update product manual for sales training- Provide sales training on product related training, and during new product launches. Conduct on the job training by Co-travelling with sales team according to call cycle- Mediate product availability issue, and works with supply chain to ensure that all logistics are resolved- Meet all marketing promotions and advertising deadlines- Provide support on packaging, by obtaining product related information such as technical specifications and FABS.- Ensuring that all selling tools, i.e. Catalogues, templates, broadsheets, & Online Platforms are 100% accurate and up to date at all times.- Adhere to all requirements of Consumer Protection Act- Develop the marketing strategy, by brand, in the line with company objectives- Responsible for marketing of brand corporate identity, both internally & externally, e.g. website, etc.- Co-ordinate with external agencies, government to get requisite licenses/approvals such as - SABS, etc. and patents (if required)- Handle any product compliance related queries- Devise pricing strategies to win new and retain existing customers- Regularly compare competitors pricing vs own brand.- Responsible for setting minimum pricing, pricing maintenance, and approving price exceptions or price discounts- Calculate the product profitability and ROI and suggest corrective action as required.-
**Inherent Requirements**
- Matric and Tertiary qualification or relevant marketing degree/diploma (BComm. IMM GSM etc.) recommended- Proven track record with progression within a company- 3-5 years’ experience in the Hand Tool Industry preferable- Must have a valid code 08 driver’s license and own reliable transport- Working Hours: Monday to Friday 08h00 to 17h00**What Qualification**
- Matric + marketing degree/diploma (BComm. IMM GSM etc.)

**Minimum Qualification**
- Diploma

**Status**
- Available