Job Purpose: Drive a portfolio of categories to be best in class within the South African retail context, leading in innovation and product differentiation; coordinating, directing and developing the category teams to achieve and exceed the financial targets.
Job Description
Job Objectives:
Providing strategic input into the category operating plans to align with the business objectives.
Review the top-down bottom-up financial plans on an ongoing basis and synchronize financial targets as per the merchandise calendar to forecast accurate financial targets.
Achieve and exceed the portfolio financial targets through the successful implementation of the category operating plans by ensuring the Category Managers actively cultivate, develop and maintain vendor relationships in line with the business objective
Provide direction on worldwide category trends including private label and exclusive brand opportunities thereby creating brand loyalty to increase market share and profitability.
Drive innovation and differentiation through product selection and development, in-store presentation and exclusivity to be best in class.
Co-ordinate the portfolios promotional sales and margin targets whilst ensuring that the day-day sales and margin targets are met.
Respond to analysis of market activity and current category performance to achieve the category operating plan.
Coach the category teams to improve commercial thinking skills to achieve and exceed the financial targets.
Develop and coach the Category Managers to create career-pathing, allow for succession and build sustainability.
Knowledge:
Financial and commercial knowledge
Understanding of market trends and competitor analysis
Understanding of buying and planning processes
Knowledge of Supplier Negotiations
Understanding of Performance Management processes
Skills:
Leadership and development skills
Analytical and Interpretation skills
Negotiation skills
Conflict Resolution skills
Competencies:
Essential:
Deciding and Initiating Action
Analyzing
Learning and Researching
Formulating Strategies and Concepts
Planning and Organizing
Achieving Personal Work Goals and Objectives
Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking
Desirable:
Applying Expertise and Technology
Creating and Innovating
Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations