Job Description

We are looking to recruit a permanent Senior Category Manager (Front Shop) to work for United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD). The role will be based at Lea Glen, Roodepoort branch and will report to the Demand and Supply Planning Manager.
Job description
Job Purpose:
To develop and execute the category strategy in order to achieve and exceed the category financial targets through rapidly accelerating catergory depth, strengthening pricing strategy, driving private label and exclusive brands thereby creating product differention and innovation to increase market share and profitability. Playing an active role in mentoring and coaching others.
Job Objectives;

• To develop and implement a category plan for specific product ranges to ensure reduced cost of goods, optimize contract terms and increase income, assume responsibility of budget and revenue for category.
• Actively manage the Link Broadsheets monthly.
• To negotiate favorable trading terms and promotional spend (co-op), actively cultivate, develop and maintain vendor relationships and partnerships to ensure vendor performance and first to market with new product launches
• To maintain relationships with existing suppliers and sourcing new suppliers for future products lines
• To implement a plan that will achieve the Clicks Group value proposition through price and promotion whilst achieving promotional sales targets
• To translate the operating and financial plans into a balanced product assortment and visual on-shelf display to meet the customer's needs
• To support the sourcing and development of private label products and exclusive brands thereby creating product differentiation, innovation and brand loyalty that will increase market share and profitability.
• To regularly review performance indicators, such as sales, margin and promo quantification, keeping the business updated on financial performance versus market and plan
• To conduct range reviews, analyse consumer buying patterns, predict future trends and stay abreast with competitor activity.
• To work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including marketing and Clubcard to ensure effective delivery of the operating plan

Minimum requirements
Education:

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

Job Experience:

• 4-6 years Category Management experience
• 2-3 years People Management experience
• Managing objectives
• Experience with local and global supplier networks

Job Related 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

Job Related Skills

• Strong Financial/Business acumen with a merchant mindset
• Strong negotiation skills
• Planning and organisational skills
• Ability to build strong supplier relationships
• 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
• Training facilitation

Job Related Competencies:

• Deciding and Initiating Action
• Working with People
• Persuading and Influencing
• Analysing
• Learning and Researching
• Delivering Results & Meeting Customer Expectations
• Achieving Personal Work Goals and Objectives
• Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking

Skills Required