Category / Product Manager

Introduction

A leading supplier of power tools and hardware to the retail, motor, and industrial industries is looking for a Category Manager to join their successful team.

If you are someone that has sound knowledge of the retail and industrial sector, advanced knowledge of marketing principles and pricing strategies, knowledge of market conditions, great negotiation skills, and knowledge of competitor products, you can excel in this position.

If you believe you can be responsible for all aspects of category management, including identification of products from suppliers, successfully bringing the product to market and ensuring product profitability and ROI, and ensuring all selling tools are updated and freely available, this could be the perfect position for you.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Achieve and exceed the targeted turnover
• Maintain and exceed GP % & Rands banked
• Successful 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
• Analyse markets to identify market threats and opportunities
• Identify opportunities for new product introduction from current customers, new customers, or any other sources such as trade shows
• Assess the market size for the identified new product and sales of major competitors in the market, but not follow them blindly
• Prepare and update 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
• 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 relationships with top customers and adhere to call cycle
• Train on product-related topics to customers, its sales force, etc.
• Drive awareness of products to customers and industry events 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 the sales team according to call cycle
• Mediate product availability issue, and works with the 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
• Adhere to all requirements of the 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, and 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
• 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

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Tertiary qualification or relevant marketing degree/diploma (B Comm. IMM GSM etc.) recommended
• Proven track record with progression within a company
• 5-10 years of experience in the Hand Tool Industry is preferable
• Must have a valid code 08 driver’s license and own reliable transport

PLEASE NOTE THAT FULL COVID VACCINATION STATUS IS ESSENTIAL.

Should you not receive a response within 14 days of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Package & Remuneration

• R45k – R50k CTC + Commission Per Month – Non-EE/AA