Category Manager at Career Outsourcing

Reports to: Head of Procurement
Hours & Location: 45 Hours

Brief Role Description: Optimize sales for a category of products, including management of the end to end product lifecycle for assigned categories including product introductions, product pricing, forecasting, depletions, promotion planning, optimal inventory levels as well as maintaining a productive relationship with vendors that is mutually beneficial to the organizational values.

Category Manager Job Responsibilities:

• Creating and developing a short and long-term strategy for development of the product category
• Management of the end to end product life cycle for assigned categories including product introductions, product pricing, forecasting, depletions and promotion planning Calculating the impact of purchases on company sales and gross margin.
• Perform product performance reviews with a view of providing short and long-term strategy plans for the category
• Implement promotional planning calendar by category and supplier for cross-functional use in scheduling multichannel strategy and product direction
• Supplier Management – Develop strong supplier relationships, negotiations, contracts and performance review process
• Identify opportunities and development initiatives to source from qualified diverse suppliers as part of a global initiative to align purchasing strategies with corporate values.
• Provide internal and external customers with focused insights regarding the products and category to drive business performance
• Ensure maintenance of optimal inventory levels, inventory turns and reduction of aging inventory.
• Employ expertise to control costs, reduce lead times and manage all aspects of purchasing relating to the category

Qualifications for the Category Manager Job

• Bachelor’s degree in business, retailing, management, sales, or marketing is required.
• Strong background with merchandising and vendor relationship;
• Experience in product purchasing, financial analysis, and inventory control
• Expertise with the sales and marketing of specific products within the merchandise category
• Good command of written and spoken English
• Strong problem solving skills and able to work in a fast-paced environment under pressure
• Team player with strong communication skills
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail
• Strong mathematical, Analytical and retail management skills
• Previous experience as a category manager ideally for a retail organization for at least 5 years.
• The ability to analyze and form accurate conclusions to support category decisions based on key data is essential.
• A thorough understanding of retail insights
• Strong people management skills
• Ability to manage and persuade at all levels of the company
• Previous experience and knowledge of a retail environment.
• Being good with numbers is essential
• Strong Reporting skills
• Deadline-oriented, Good time management skills
  Both hard and soft management skills,
• Ability to multi-task and be an effective problem solver.
• Commercial Awareness, Good judgment and wisdom in negotiations, projections, and communications.
• Should be prepared to work irregular or long hours at certain times of the year.
• Must have a strong work ethic & remain
• professional & enthusiastic at all times.