Job Description

National Category Manager IT Supplies & Hardware Media/Marketing/Sales
Johannesburg - Gauteng - South Africa
ENVIRONMENT:
A leading retailer is in search of a National Category Specialist who will be responsible for driving category growth, profitability, and strategic development of the IT Hardware and Supplies product range across all regions. This includes overseeing performance across retail, commercial, contract, and tender channels. The role requires a hands-on, data-driven individual capable of operating at both strategic and operational levels, with the ability to lead initiatives nationally, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and develop strong supplier and customer relationships.
DUTIES:
Category Sales & Business Development (National Scope)

• Develop and implement national sales strategies to grow the IT Hardware & Supplies category across all regions.
• Drive achievement of national sales targets and gross profit objectives.
• Lead the sales strategy for their key target customer base while working and aligning with the regional sales teams
• Conduct regional performance analysis and implement tailored strategies to address gaps and optimise growth.
• Collaborate with regional and branch sales managers to execute national plans at local levels.
• Identify and capitalise on new business opportunities and untapped markets.
• Maintain regular contact with key accounts nationally to ensure customer satisfaction and identify upselling opportunities.
• Monitor national portfolio reports (buying patterns, non-buyers, trends) and drive immediate response strategies.
• Analyse historical and projected sales data to anticipate future business requirements.
• Support the commercial tender process by contributing product insights, pricing strategies, and supplier collaboration.

National Marketing & Promotions

• Plan and implement national marketing campaigns, promotions, and category events to boost brand visibility and sales.
• Ensure alignment and execution of promotional activity across all sales channels (retail, commercial, online).
• Benchmark pricing nationally and ensure competitive positioning.
• Provide national oversight of retail merchandising and in-store promotional compliance.
• Lead market research efforts to track consumer behaviour and competitor trends.
• Collaborate with the national marketing team to develop category-specific campaigns and digital content.

Customer Engagement & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain national customer relationships to enhance loyalty and retention.
• Address escalated customer queries or complaints swiftly and effectively.
• Provide national sales teams with training, product information, and support tools.
• Identify and respond to evolving customer needs across all regions.

Product Strategy & Category Development

• Create and implement a national category development roadmap.
• Source and select new products aligned with customer demand and strategic goals.
• Drive product performance and lifecycle management in collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct supplier negotiations at a national level to secure optimal pricing, terms, and support.
• Monitor and manage product pricing to maximise margins and market competitiveness.

Stock & Supplier Management

• Control and Oversee national stock levels to ensure availability and reduce slow-moving inventory.
• Liaise with suppliers and distribution centres to manage national inventory and resolve stock discrepancies.
• Drive supplier performance and foster strategic relationships to enhance category competitiveness.
• Lead national markdown strategies and stock reallocation plans.

Key Account & SBD Management

• Manage National Supplies Big Deals (SBDs), contracts, and pricing agreements.
• Ensure consistent and timely reporting to senior leadership on SBD-related matters.
• Collaborate with the contracts and sales support teams to ensure accurate and timely SBD implementation.
• Visit strategic accounts nationally to maintain and expand relationships.

Reporting & Administration

• Prepare and submit national category performance reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly).
• Analyse sales and financial data to make strategic recommendations.
• Track and report on new business development and lost business trends nationally.

Provide reports as requested distributors and supply partners as and when required
REQUIREMENTS:
Technical Requirements

• Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis capabilities.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems
• Solid understanding of IT Supplies/Hardware product landscape.
• Ability to conduct market benchmarking and competitive price analysis.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 610 years experience in IT or ICT sales/category management, in a national role.
• Experience in the ICT reseller or distribution channel is highly recommended.
• Tertiary qualification in Sales, Marketing, Business Management, or similar (preferred).
• Demonstrated track record of achieving sales growth and category development.
• Strong knowledge of national retail, commercial, and contract sales environments.
• Experience managing supplier negotiations and national promotional execution.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel nationally.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Proven ability to operate at strategic, tactical, and operational levels.
• Advanced analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Strong planning, organisational, and project management abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Resilient, self-driven, and highly results oriented.
• Commercial acumen with a strong understanding of profitability levers.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.

Ability to influence without direct authority and manage virtual teams.
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