699 Category Manager jobs in South Africa

Listing reference:

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 4 November 2025

Position summary

Industry: Wholesale & Retail Trade

Job category: Other: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain

Location: Cape Town

Contract: Permanent

EE position: No

About our company

Clicks Group

Introduction

We are looking to recruit a Category Manager to support the Retail Business Development division of the Clicks Group. The role will be based at our Head Office in Cape Town, reporting to the Business Efficiency Executive.

Job description

Job Purpose:

To achieve and exceed the category financial targets through the successful development and implementation of a category operating plan by actively cultivating, developing and maintaining vendor relationships in line with the business objectives.

Job Objectives:

• To develop an annual category operating plan in line with the strategic category brief and lead the category team to achieve the category operating plan targets.
• To negotiate multi-category trading terms and promotional spend (co-op) and actively cultivate and develop vendor relationships and partnerships to ensure vendor performance and first to market with new product launches.
• To negotiate and select promotional products and price to meet the promotional category sales and margin targets, whilst ensuring that the day-day sales and margin targets are met.
• To translate the operating and financial plans into a balanced product assortment and on-shelf layout to meet the customers' needs.
• To drive exclusive brands thereby creating product differentiation and innovation to increase market share and profitability.
• To manage the achievement of Private Label targets, thereby creating product differentiation, innovation and brand loyalty to increase market share and profitability.
• To sign off and approve the category financial plan to achieve the divisional financial plan.
• To define the category pricing and promotions strategy to ensure we meet the customer's needs and remain competitive in the market.
• To accelerate the growth of the Sports Supplements category in line with the business objectives
• Responsible for the procurement of pharmaceutical products.
• Managing out of stocks with Suppliers, updating out of stock schedule for reporting purpose.
• Responsible for managing supplier in fills.

Minimum requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

• Diploma in Purchasing/Retail/Marketing/Financial Management
• Essential: 2-5 years' experience in Retail Buying
• Essential: People management
• 2-5 years' experience in FMCG category desirable

Skills, Abilities and Job Related Knowledge:

• Knowledge and understanding of the buying business processes.
• Good understanding of developing a category operating plan and identifying strategic opportunities.
• Knowledge of market trends and competitor analysis.
• Knowledge and understanding of assortment management
• Knowledge and understanding of supplier co-op negotiations and trading terms
• Knowledge of financial planning
• Knowledge of Sports, Slimming and Nutrition products

Essential Competencies:

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts
• Analyzing
• Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking
• Relating and Networking
• Planning and Organizing
• Deciding and Initiating Action
• Learning and Researching

Listing reference:
click_

Listing status:
Online

Apply by:
4 November 2025

Position Summary
Industry:
Wholesale & Retail Trade

Job category:
Other: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain

Location:
Cape Town

Contract:
Permanent

EE position:
No

About Our Company
Clicks Group

Introduction
We are looking to recruit a Category Manager to support the Retail Business Development division of the Clicks Group. The role will be based at our Head Office in Cape Town, reporting to the Business Efficiency Executive.

Job Description
Job Purpose:
To achieve and exceed the category financial targets through the successful development and implementation of a category operating plan by actively cultivating, developing and maintaining vendor relationships in line with the business objectives.

Job Objectives

• To develop an annual category operating plan in line with the strategic category brief and lead the category team to achieve the category operating plan targets.
• To negotiate multi-category trading terms and promotional spend (co-op) and actively cultivate and develop vendor relationships and partnerships to ensure vendor performance and first to market with new product launches.
• To negotiate and select promotional products and price to meet the promotional category sales and margin targets, whilst ensuring that the day-day sales and margin targets are met.
• To translate the operating and financial plans into a balanced product assortment and on-shelf layout to meet the customers' needs.
• To drive exclusive brands thereby creating product differentiation and innovation to increase market share and profitability.
• To manage the achievement of Private Label targets, thereby creating product differentiation, innovation and brand loyalty to increase market share and profitability.
• To sign off and approve the category financial plan to achieve the divisional financial plan.
• To define the category pricing and promotions strategy to ensure we meet the customer's needs and remain competitive in the market.
• To accelerate the growth of the Sports Supplements category in line with the business objectives
• Responsible for the procurement of pharmaceutical products.
• Managing out of stocks with Suppliers, updating out of stock schedule for reporting purpose.
• Responsible for managing supplier in fills.

Minimum Requirements
Qualifications and Experience:

• Diploma in Purchasing/Retail/Marketing/Financial Management
• Essential: 2-5 years' experience in Retail Buying
• Essential: People management
• 2-5 years' experience in FMCG category desirable

Skills, Abilities And Job Related Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of the buying business processes.
• Good understanding of developing a category operating plan and identifying strategic opportunities.
• Knowledge of market trends and competitor analysis.
• Knowledge and understanding of assortment management
• Knowledge and understanding of supplier co-op negotiations and trading terms
• Knowledge of financial planning
• Knowledge of Sports, Slimming and Nutrition products

Essential Competencies

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts
• Analyzing
• Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking
• Relating and Networking
• Planning and Organizing
• Deciding and Initiating Action
• Learning and Researching

Lead the end-to-end product development and implementation process across assigned categories, with initial responsibility for the full range of soft goods, including home textiles and/or personal apparel.

This role plays a key part in aligning product strategy with brand objectives, market demand, and commercial targets.

Permanent, Cape Town

Responsibilities

• Act as a brand ambassador, fully embodying the brand's values, aesthetic, and ethos in all merchandising decisions.
• Conduct in-depth market and trend analysis
• Range Planning and Product Strategy
• Source and manage vendor relationships
• Conduct ongoing budget and cost analysis
• Coordinate with logistics and broader merchandising teams
• Participate in cross-departmental initiatives and business-wide projects as assigned contributing beyond the scope of the merchandising function.
• Develop and maintain dashboards for frequent reporting on key metrics EXCO and wider business.
• Provide data, insights, and merchandising support to business unit heads and customer service teams as needed

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, economics or other relevant field
• Proven experience in a merchandising or product development role, ideally within a premium retail environment
• Buying exposure in homeware / appliances and cookware specifically would be advantageous.
• Product Sourcing experience essential
• Strong understanding of retail cycles, customer behaviour, and competitor landscapes.

A leading
fruit exporter
in the Cape Winelands is seeking an experienced
Category Manager
with a strong background in
fruit, vegetables, or fresh produce
.

We are looking for a results-driven professional with
at least 5+ years' experience
managing relationships with
Tier 1 retailers
across
international markets
(EU, US, India, etc.). The ideal candidate will have proven experience in category management within the global fresh produce industry and a track record of leading teams successfully.

Key Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a similar Category or Commercial Management role
• Strong exposure to international retail markets (EU/US/India)
• Proven ability to manage key retail relationships and drive category growth
• Background in fruit, vegetable, or fresh produce essential
• Management experience required

Location:
Cape Winelands, Western Cape

Relocation assistance
provided for the right candidate.

About the job

Development of category vision, strategy, & national shopper/trade marketing plans leveraging identified category growth drivers in alignment with brand strategies & plans.

About you

KEY REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

Qualification(s)

Relevant Business Degree, with a Sales, Marketing or Business management specialization.

Experience and Skills

• Sound Category, Marketing, Operations and Key Accounts background
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in Category Management / Marketing / Sales in FMCG
• Proficient in MS Office: Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint
• Proven success in commercial-focused environment
• Proven ability to develop strong working relationships
• Advanced communication skills (written, oral and listening)
• Strong customer relationship building skills
• Internal and external customer service skills

About us

For more information about Danone, our culture, please explore

We offer:

A job which could easily turn in to a career in Danone. We believe everyone is born with superpowers, something which comes natural to you. We know this uniqueness is something which brings both excellence as well as energy, so we believe in all Danoner's potential and when we build careers based on these superpowers and when we develop everyone's potential to the fullest magic happens. This is how we like to see Talent Management in Danone.

This is a highly visible position within Danone; you will interact with Internal - Marketing, Sales Supply chain, SSD and External - Suppliers, CO-packers. Challenge, innovate, convince and find alignment when needed. This role has no direct reports.

TWK Agri has the following vacancy available: Category Manager within the Trade division at Piet Retief, Mpumalanga.

Job Summary

This role involves leading the procurement and category strategies for a defined portfolio of goods and services, ensuring availability, cost efficiency, and supplier performance across TWK Agri's operations. The Category Manager will be responsible for developing category strategies, negotiating with key suppliers, optimising stock management, and driving value creation to support sustainable business growth and profitability.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with company objectives and market conditions
• Optimise inventory levels by overseeing category planning and stock management across multiple business units
• Source, evaluate and negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favourable terms and long-term value
• Analyse spend, sales data and market trends to inform procurement strategies and demand forecasting
• Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships while managing performance and ensuring compliance with contracts
• Lead supplier segmentation and risk management initiatives to secure supply continuity
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements and efficiency within the procurement function
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Operations and Retail to align category goals with business needs
• Ensure procurement practices comply with company policies, governance requirements and regulatory standards
• Prepare and present category, procurement and performance reports for strategic decision-making

Qualifications and Skills

• Matric / Grade 12
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain or related field (advantageous)
• Minimum 5 years' experience in procurement or category management
• Proven experience in stock management and supplier negotiations
• Strong analytical and reporting skills with attention to detail
• Excellent negotiation, planning and organisational ability
• Proficiency in MS Office suite (ERP knowledge advantageous)
• Bilingual (Afrikaans & English)
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Valid driver's licence (Code 08)
• Willing to travel

Take the next step in your career with TWK Agri, a trusted leader in agriculture and beyond.

• The company can expire job adverts at any time at their own discretion.

**TWK Agri supports the principles of Employment Equity and reserves the right to prioritise candidates in line with our Employment Equity targets.

Develop and implement category strategies to drive sales, profitability, and market share.

Analyze consumer trends, sales data, and market insights to optimize product assortment and pricing.

Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts.

Required Candidate profile

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing (MBA preferred).

10 -15 years of experience in category management within the retail or FMCG industry.

Strong analytical and negotiation skills.

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for procurement and data-driven decision-making? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment where your insights directly impact operational efficiency and profitability?

Tsebo Catering is looking for a Category Manager to join our dynamic Procurement team. If you're ready to lead strategic sourcing initiatives, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost leadership across multiple categories, we want to hear from you.

As a leading African Integrated Workplace Management Solutions Provider, Tsebo Solutions Group offers clients
reduced costs, risk and complexities
together with
increased quality, efficiency and productivity
. We specialise in
Catering
,
Facilities Management
,
Cleaning and Hygiene
,
Pest Control
,
Protection
,
Energy
,
Procurement
,
Workspace Design
,
Engineering, Remote Camps
, and more.
Developing our people
- the heart of Tsebo - is the foundation of our purpose. The result is a knowledgeable workforce that is in touch with every nuance of our clients' needs.
DOWNLOAD OUR ONE-PAGER
to find out more about who we are in a nutshell.

Category Manager (Foods)

R1.4m - R1.6m

Cape Town

Global, JSE listed FMCG Group has excellent career opportunity for highly seasoned Category Manager in foods. Reporting to the Sales and Marketing Executive you will be responsible for driving revenue growth, and successfully diversifying their portfolio across other foods categories within a competitive market. 

Key responsibilities

Sales Strategy Development and Execution:

• Formulate, implement, and continuously enhance a comprehensive national sales strategy for the categories in order to achieve and exceed annual revenue and market share objectives.
• Work collaboratively with the Divisional Sales Managers to align sales initiatives with overall business goals and marketing campaigns.
• Identify new business opportunities, emerging market trends, and potential risks, translating insights into actionable sales plans.

Key Account Management:

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with key national accounts, retail partners, and distributors.
• Negotiate commercial terms, resolve escalated issues, and identify joint value-creation opportunities with strategic partners.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality customer service as a preferred partner in the respective new food categories entered into.

Sales Operations and Reporting:

• Oversee sales forecasting, budgeting, pipeline management, and resource allocation of the categories in order to maximize efficiency and ensure successful market entry.
• Implement and manage robust sales processes, tools, and CRM systems to drive data-driven decisions and accountability.
• Deliver accurate, timely sales reports and insights to the Executive: Marketing and Sales highlighting successes, challenges, and strategic recommendations.

Market Intelligence and Competitive Analysis:

• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and market dynamics to ensure successful new category entries.
• Gather and synthesize market intelligence, providing thought leadership and strategic input to senior management regarding product positioning and new market entry.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure adherence to all relevant legal, regulatory, and ethical standards in all sales activities and client engagements.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks to the organization’s reputation, financial performance, and client relationships.

Category & Team Leadership

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sales Management, or a related field (Hons preferred).
• 8 -10 Years experience progressive experience in sales, with at least 5 years in a senior/national management role, ideally with the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of delivering sustained sales growth and managing high-performance teams across multiple regions.
• Expertise in key account management, strategic negotiation, and stakeholder engagement at a senior level.