Category Manager at CADSYNC Consults

Job Description

• We need a Category Manager who will be responsible for driving incremental net sales and gross profit for the organization, managing categories as strategic business units, using a shopper-driven approach

The Ideal Candidate will be in-charge of:

• Analyzing and defining category roles, including selling price/ margin ranges, planning and development to optimize assortments based on customer trends and occasions. e.g meals-at-home, on-the-go etc.
• Working with commercial and other stakeholders to set track and measure KPI’s by category.
• Creating and disseminating planograms using customer-centric lens, based on store layout and shopper profile.
• Liaising and coordinating closely with marketing in order to effectively connect with shoppers both with four walls as well as through above-the-line marketing e.g. digital, out-of-home, etc.
• Conducting routine supplier assessments considering strategic importance to our enterprise, quality service levels, consistency, route-to-market, capabilities and price, in order to remain highly competitive in the retail market. Includes benchmarking suppliers by category.
• Close alignment and working relationships with operations to implement and measure execution including adherence to merchandising standards and define planograms.
• Researching and analyze data for new and emerging trends and to gain insights into consumer needs and wants.
• Leading the supplier selection process for new suppliers including negotiations processes to maximize margin (front margin+ back margin) as well as credit terms (credit value + credit days) in order to drive our competitive edge in the market through profitable, sustainable commercial agreements.
• Managing the sourcing of key products / brands to defend and strengthen overall product portfolio mix and create a merchandise range based on customer needs.
• Conducting routine supplier assessments considering strategic importance to our enterprise, quality service levels, consistency, route-to-market, capabilities and price, in order to remain highly competitive in the retail market. Includes benchmarking suppliers by category.
• Ensuring suppliers adheres to quality, service and suppliers code of conduct.
• Leveraging data analytics to identify opportunities, maximize sales performance, increase profitability and grow market share.
• Identifying and managing risks related to supply.
• Participating and presenting category updates as needed in team meetings and other functions.

Communications and Working Relationships:

• Commercial leadership and general management
• Operations
• Finance
• Marketing
• Branch manager

Knowledge, Skills & Experience and Minimum Qualification

• A relevant Bachelor’s Degree.
• Advance level of proficiency in the use of Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Teams beneficial
• Experience in products ranging, assortment/space planning, merchandising and category management a plus.

Minimum Experience:

• 5+ years’ experience with retail or FMCG environment is preferred.
• Previous category management / retail buying experience is an added advantage.

Minimum Experience:

• Analytical skills and ability to use data/ insight to develop consumer centric solutions.
• Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Result oriented- A driven self-starter with the ability to set, track and measure key performance indicator in order to deliver sales results
• Attention to details.
• A strong work ethics with the ability to prioritize, multiple priorities and manage time effectively in order to meet deadlines as required.