Job Description

Position summary
Industry: Wholesale & Retail Trade
Job category: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain
Location: Cape Town
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes
About our company
Clicks Group
Introduction
We are looking for an individual to drive high performing category teams to deliver the commercial performance of the Everyday Essentials Category, executing our range strategy and value proposition to ensure Clicks remains the first choice health and beauty retailer, grow market share in order to achieve and exceed the category financial targets and deliver the business objectives. The role will be based at Clicks Head Office, Woodstock, Cape Town and report into the Commercial Executive.
Job description
Job Objectives:

• To develop and ensure effective execution of the category operating plan (financial and product execution) for a portfolio of categories in order to achieve the business objectives.
• Review with the top-down bottom-up financial plans with the Planning Portfolio Manager on an ongoing basis to deliver against financial targets and ensure that this is reported and measured on a weekly basis.
• To effectively manage a team of Category Buyers and Managers by setting ambitious goals, set up plans for improvement on key drivers like product ranging, pricing strategies, cross sales, merchandising and promotion management and develop proposals to take corrective action where necessary.
• To critically evaluate and sign off the category range review to ensure increased profitability and improved product offering to customers and evolve market share.
• To effectively implement our space and range principles, to deliver appropriate and impactful execution in store.
• To oversee regular strategic meetings with key suppliers and strengthen those relations with improved commercial results.
• To work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of the operating plan.
• To keep track of/capitalise on global and local category developments/trends to ensure increased relevance to our customers.
• To identify opportunities to streamline and drive departmental efficiencies, resource allocation and establish category ways of working, manage departmental expense budget and identify opportunity to reduce expenses.
• To build high performing teams through effective people management and development to ensure capability to meet current and future business objectives. Ensure recruitment and selection are in-line with transformation targets.

Minimum requirements
Job Knowledge:

• Operating plan development

• Supplier relationship management

• Procurement and Supply Chain

• Business Objectives and Strategies

• Business Processes

• Retail Management

• Market trends and competitor analysis

• Understanding of supplier co-op negotiations and trading terms

• Financial planning and budgets

• Employee relations and performance management

• Knowledge on relevant legislation

Job Related Skills:

• Ability to drive and motivate teams

• Strong Financial/Business acumen with a merchant mindset

• Strong negotiation skills

• Planning and organisational skills

• Ability to build strong supplier relationships

• Proven track record in managing commercial teams in a fast changing environment

• Competency in all computer packages, i.e. Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint

• Verbal and written communication

• Problem solving and analytical thinking

• Strategic thinking and decision making

• Attention to detail

• Project management

Job Experience:

• 4-6 years FMCG Category Management experience

• 2-3 years People Management experience at senior level

• Experience with local and global supplier networks essential

Education:

• B Degree or Diploma in Retail, Purchasing Management or similar (Desirable)

• Business Science, B.Comm, MBA, CIS (Desirable)

Skills Required