Product / Category Manager

Job Purpose

• To lead the sales and purchasing process and strategy for the specific product categories assigned.
• To optimize profit generation for the specific product lines to meet business objectives.
• Achieve optimum stock positions based on supplier terms and stock movement.
• Work closely with all sales channels to drive the revenue budgets for each channel.
• Ensure quality after sales service and supplier compensation in line with actual costs incurred.
• Track the brand contracts and ensure claims are done on time delivering the brand P&L profit

Job Responsibility and Accountability

• Drive achievement of key financial metrics, including Gross Contribution, Quantity Sales, Stock Turn Ratio, and Aged Inventory.
• Facilitate seamless communication and interaction internally (with respective departments) and externally (suppliers and customers)
• Key focus on Data utilization, analysis, preparation and financial thumbprint on all negotiations and projects/activities.
• Quarterly Range rationalization reviews ensuring products meet the minimum GP for each sub-category.
• Monthly market intelligence analysis and engagement with the modern trade department - key action points and deliverables agreed and tracked monthly.
• Ensure clear contracts and SLAs are in place for all suppliers - imports as well as local purchases.
• Claims and rebates - monthly tracking and system automation.
• Improve Product manager capability through guiding, mentoring and training.
• Optimize departmental support through internal benchmarks and technical preparation - training handouts, technical spec sheets, price charts etc
• Lead internal projects and tasks through teamwork, guiding, and mentoring.

Qualification

• Minimum qualification of a degree in business or any other relevant field.

Experience

• Previous experience in purchasing across international markets, preferably within a similar industry, will be considered an added advantage.
• Extensive knowledge of category management, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Extensive knowledge of the retail market sector and consumer electronic products.
• Understanding market trends and mapping.
• Extensive financial & supply chain knowledge.
• Knowledge of preparation of budgets
• Track record of effective strategy execution.
• Track record negotiating with suppliers

Key Skills:

• Leadership skills
• Planning and forecasting skills.
• Data analysis skills
• Problem solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and timely execution
• Report writing and presentation skills.
• Budget management skills.
• Market mapping - trends, segmenting and tracking
• Ability to understand product and train
• Identifying and sourcing products based on market trends and requirements
• Relationship building skills