65 Category Manager jobs in Cape Town

Who are we: A global leader employing around 5,000 people across 50 countries and serving industrial manufacturing, construction and consumer markets.

Who are we looking for: A Category Manager with product experience.

Role Overview:

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing a 5-year strategic plan and annual rollout for consumer product categories. The role focuses on global product management, innovation, pricing strategy, packaging and aligning with regional and global marketing teams. You’ll work closely with internal departments like R&D, Supply Chain and Manufacturing and support regional market development and performance tracking.

What will you do:

• Define margin levels, retail pricing and positioning
• Lead product development (NPD) and innovation processes
• Oversee packaging design and branding consistency
• Conduct competitive and market analysis; support trade execution
• Packaging / layout design
• Travel for research, meetings, events and customer visits
• Within the matrix, you will collaborate with regions, exports, manufacturing, supply chain, R&D and other BUs
• 5-year strategic category / channel plan
• Annual roll-out plan
• Turnover and GP/ MVC performance of the category
• Global category/channel marketing budget

What you need:

Qualifications & Experience:

• Degree in Marketing, Business or related field
• 4–6 years in a marketing role; multinational experience preferred
• Strong English communication skills
• Experience with market research (quantitative and qualitative)
• Knowledge of DIY, retail, or related consumer markets is beneficial

Personal Skills:

• Strategic thinker, strong communicator and team player
• Analytical with attention to detail
• Able to manage projects independently in a fast-paced environment
• Creative and commercially-minded

• Grade 12 & relevant qualification with a Supply Chain Management and/or Finance and/or Business Administration focus (essential)
• Experience in leading large-scale procurement centralization and optimization initiatives
• Expertise in designing and implementing merchandising and category management systems
• Advanced proficiency in data analysis, business intelligence tools, and performance metrics interpretation
• Experience managing organizational transformation and change initiatives across multiple business units

• Drive category strategy development and execution to maximize market opportunities and achieve organizational alignment
• Lead innovative merchandise solutions and process improvements across products, systems, and operational standards
• Manage category budgets, financial performance, and profitability optimization through strategic planning and monitoring
• Build and maintain strategic internal and external partnerships to drive collaborative business success
• Ensure exceptional customer experience through effective service delivery, complaint resolution, and brand enhancement
• Provide visionary leadership and strategic thinking to drive organizational alignment and continuous improvement
• Lead, develop, and optimize team performance to build a high-performing, skilled, and motivated workforce

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions.
• This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL.
• However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market.
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the minimum requirements will not be considered for the respective position.
• Note our clients may expire jobs at their own discretion.
• AJ PERSONNEL will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
• If you have not received a response within two (2) weeks from applying, your application was then unsuccessful for that specific position, however your profile remains on our system for future opportunities.

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

Location: Cape Town

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

The purpose of this position is to drive turnover, gain market share and maximize SPAR DC and retailer profitability through careful planning, purchasing, and sales strategies, in line with retail and DC requirements.

1. Driving and achieving DC and Retail sales and profitability budgets and targets.
2. Negotiating and delivering pricing competitiveness against competitors and budgeted retail margins to members and the DC.
3. Working with suppliers, retailers, and DC buying, retail operations and logistics teams to grow retailer loyalty and competitive advantage.
4. Creating and executing ad hoc and regional promotions to drive volume at retail through the DC.
5. Managing suppliers service levels by exceeding efficiencies and business indicators including, but not limited to:
1. Supplier order fill
2. Supplier out of stocks
3. Stock days
4. Stock turn
5. Stock distribution and penetration at retail
6. Full Category management accountability.
7. Building strategic business relationships with suppliers and retail store owners and managers.
8. Driving product development, innovation and other sales initiatives.
9. Assisting retailers with store standards, specs, ranging, pricing, and in store promotions.
10. Leadership of a support team.

1. Minimum 3 years Retail / FMCG experience in a marketing position.
2. Experience in sales, and managing and developing good customer relationships.
3. Buying and category management related experience.

1. Sound interpersonal, communication and negotiating skills.
2. Thorough knowledge of buying systems and processes.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of product range requirements within a supermarket environment.
4. Financial acumen, leadership skills and attention to detail.
5. Strong drive, initiative, sense of urgency and use of innovation to resolve business challenges in a pressurized/demanding work environment.

Faithful to Nature is a market leader in the online natural product retail space with the mission of improving the health of our customers and our planet. We’re home to analysts, creatives, activists, and innovators. We believe in doing things differently and are busy pioneering the natural health wellness industry. From our humble beginnings, we’ve grown to service thousands of loyal customers across South Africa, we’re now a late-stage startup looking to scale our business and stamp our mark on South Africa’s retail sector!

We are looking for anAssistant Category Manager who will be responsible for handling admin related tasks and providing a support function for the category managers so that the overall targets of the department can be achieved namely category growth and margin targets.

The tasks are listed but not limited to the below:

New product and vendor sourcing

• Making contact with identified vendors to request their product and pricing lists, barcodes and other information as requested by the category managers.
• Populate the respective sheets with the new product details and pricing as received from the supplier
• Manage and the general admin on the go live tab, by ensuring the payment terms are signed, returned and filed, barcodes are received and added to the sheet.
  

Sourcing of promotional offers

• Making contact with suppliers to source category promotions in line with the marketing calendar and the overall category targets.
• Add promotions as agreed in supplier meetings to the promotions sheet.

Pricing administration

• Handle all pricing tasks in Acumatica.
• Manage all pricing uploads into Acumatica while ensuring alignment to margin targets/
• Send price increase templates to suppliers and communicate the date of price increases to the category managers as well as to the planning team.
• Ensure that all price increases are saved in the corresponding folders for reference
• Ensure that margin for the category is maintained at all times.

Supplier Relationships

• Nurture supplier relationships at every touchpoint through professional and kind communication.
• Attend supplier meetings, as requested by category managers, take notes and handle next steps like sending pricing sheets, logging of promotions etc.

Ad hoc Tasks

• Being open and flexible to integrate ad hoc requests from the category managers into the daily/weekly/monthly workflow.

KPIs:

• Timeous sourcing of specials and ensuring that the category manager and marketing team is in the loop should the finalising of a special is not be running on time.
• Kind and professional communication with all stakeholders.
• Timeous and accurate handling of price updates as well as pricing tasks.
• Timeous responses across all communication channels and stakeholders.
• Proactive thinking across all areas of responsibility within this role.
  

Experience and Skills:

• Relevant degree or experience in category management, buying or planning
• Ecommerce and/or retail experience
• Experience with handling supplier relationships
• Negotiation experience
• Solid understanding of margin
• Knowledge of natural & organic products beneficial
• Strong track record of being able to work independently and within a team environment

General Requirements in the role:

• Accountability: Showing ownership and responsibility for your performance, actions, and outcomes.
• Collaboration: Building relationships with colleagues, customers, and suppliers, and contributing to effective team performance.
• Initiative: Showing curiosity, spotting gaps, finding new and better ways to do things
• Adaptability : Understanding changes in tasks, projects in a fast paced environment.
• Communication: Effectively exchanging information with team members, customers and suppliers.
• Attendance: Being present during working hours.

Faithful to Nature is a market leader in the online natural product retail space with the mission of improving the health of our customers and our planet. We’re home to analysts, creatives, activists, and innovators. We believe in doing things differently and are busy pioneering the natural health wellness industry. From our humble beginnings, we’ve grown to service thousands of loyal customers across South Africa, we’re now a late-stage startup looking to scale our business and stamp our mark on South Africa’s retail sector!

We are looking for an Assistant Category Manager who will be responsible for handling admin related tasks and providing a support function for the category managers so that the overall targets of the department can be achieved namely category growth and margin targets.

The tasks are listed but not limited to the below:

New product and vendor sourcing

• Making contact with identified vendors to request their product and pricing lists, barcodes and other information as requested by the category managers.
• Populate the respective sheets with the new product details and pricing as received from the supplier
• Manage and the general admin on the go live tab, by ensuring the payment terms are signed, returned and filed, barcodes are received and added to the sheet.
  
  

• Making contact with suppliers to source category promotions in line with the marketing calendar and the overall category targets.
• Add promotions as agreed in supplier meetings to the promotions sheet.
  
  

• Handle all pricing tasks in Acumatica.
• Manage all pricing uploads into Acumatica while ensuring alignment to margin targets/
• Send price increase templates to suppliers and communicate the date of price increases to the category managers as well as to the planning team.
• Ensure that all price increases are saved in the corresponding folders for reference
• Ensure that margin for the category is maintained at all times.
  
  

• Nurture supplier relationships at every touchpoint through professional and kind communication.
• Attend supplier meetings, as requested by category managers, take notes and handle next steps like sending pricing sheets, logging of promotions etc.
  
  

• Being open and flexible to integrate ad hoc requests from the category managers into the daily/weekly/monthly workflow.
  
  

• Timeous sourcing of specials and ensuring that the category manager and marketing team is in the loop should the finalising of a special is not be running on time.
• Kind and professional communication with all stakeholders.
• Timeous and accurate handling of price updates as well as pricing tasks.
• Timeous responses across all communication channels and stakeholders.
• Proactive thinking across all areas of responsibility within this role.
  
  

• Relevant degree or experience in category management, buying or planning
• Ecommerce and/or retail experience
• Experience with handling supplier relationships
• Negotiation experience
• Solid understanding of margin
• Knowledge of natural & organic products beneficial
• Strong track record of being able to work independently and within a team environment
  
  

• Accountability: Showing ownership and responsibility for your performance, actions, and outcomes.
• Collaboration: Building relationships with colleagues, customers, and suppliers, and contributing to effective team performance.
• Initiative: Showing curiosity, spotting gaps, finding new and better ways to do things
• Adaptability : Understanding changes in tasks, projects in a fast paced environment.
• Communication: Effectively exchanging information with team members, customers and suppliers.
• Attendance: Being present during working hours.

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

Location: Cape Town

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

We are looking to recruit a Category Manager to work within the Health department of Clicks. The role will be based at Clicks Head Office in Cape Town and will report to the Portfolio Manager.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. To negotiate and select promotional products and price to meet the promotional category sales and margin targets, whilst ensuring that the day-to-day sales and margin targets are met.
4. To translate the operating and financial plans into a balanced product assortment and on-shelf layout to meet the customers’ needs.
5. To drive exclusive brands thereby creating product differentiation and innovation to increase market share and profitability.
6. To manage the achievement of Private Label targets, thereby creating product differentiation, innovation and brand loyalty to increase market share and profitability.
7. To sign off and approve the category financial plan to achieve the divisional financial plan.
8. To define the category pricing and promotions strategy to ensure we meet the customer’s needs and remain competitive in the market.
9. To accelerate the growth of the Sports Supplements category in line with the business objectives.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. 2-5 years’ experience in Retail Buying is essential.
2. People management is essential.
3. Diploma in Purchasing/Retail/Marketing/Financial Management is desirable.
4. 2-5 years’ experience in FMCG category desirable.

Skills, Abilities and Job Related Knowledge:

1. Knowledge and understanding of the buying business processes.
2. Good understanding of developing a category operating plan and identifying strategic opportunities.
3. Knowledge of market trends and competitor analysis.
4. Knowledge and understanding of assortment management.
5. Knowledge and understanding of supplier co-op negotiations and trading terms.
6. Knowledge of financial planning.
7. Knowledge of Sports, Slimming and Nutrition products.
8. Formulating Strategies and Concepts.
9. Analyzing.
10. Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking.
11. Relating and Networking.
12. Planning and Organizing.
13. Deciding and Initiating Action.
14. Learning and Researching.

Time left to apply: End Date: August 18, 2025 (6 days left to apply)

Job requisition id: JR103501

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

This exciting opportunity exists in our Online Shopping Division at our PnP Offices. We are looking for a customer-centric and commercially-minded Category Manager to manage the end-to-end sales and profitability of a category through close collaboration with the category heads, analysis of profit margin and sales data, and execution of the category strategy across online platforms.

Minimum requirements

• Relevant Degree/Diploma qualification advantageous
• A minimum of 3 years' experience in Category Management – eCommerce category management would be advantageous.
• SAP & BW knowledge advantageous
• Previous experience in the FMCG and/or General Merchandise industry will be advantageous
• Previous experience within the retail environment advantageous
• Proficiency in MS Excel essential
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools

Competencies

• Numerical reasoning
• Solutions-oriented, Can-do attitude & Self-motivated
• Strong organizational & prioritization skills
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal & written; Admin oriented
• Ability to interact with internal & external stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to influence and persuade
• Adaptable to change
• Comfortable with learning and adapting to new systems
• People orientation
• Attention to detail

Responsibilities include partnering with the Commercial Head and category teams to ensure effective execution of business strategies across all eCommerce touchpoints, ensuring product listing and assortment planning based on data and customer analytics, developing customer propositions, driving sales growth strategies, managing stock levels, and acting as the digital ambassador for the category.

Additional duties involve identifying launches within category trade plans, executing promotions and campaigns, and collaborating with marketing, merchandising, and category teams for product launches and promotional activities.

Closing date: 17 August 2025

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

At Pick n Pay, we are more than just a retailer; we are an organization of dedicated people committed to creating an exceptional shopping experience for our customers and an enriching, vibrant work environment for our employees. Founded in 1967, Pick n Pay is one of the largest retail chains in South Africa, serving millions of customers across the African continent. Our reputation is built upon our commitment to offering customers the best in quality and value.

Our Mission

We serve with our hearts, create a great place to be, and with our minds, create an excellent place to shop.

Our Values

Our values are deeply embedded in our culture and guide our actions: Passion for our Customers, Respect and Care, Personal Growth and Opportunity, Leadership and Innovation, Honesty and Integrity, Community Support, Individual Responsibility, and Accountability.

Why Pick n Pay?

Our strength lies in our people. We strive to be the employer of choice, fostering growth, celebrating achievements, and valuing individual contributions. Join us and experience the joy of being part of Pick n Pay as we shape the future of retail in Africa together. View our career opportunities.

Job Title: Category Manager Online

Location: Western Cape, Cape Town

Deadline: August 17, 2025

We are seeking a customer-centric and commercially minded Category Manager to oversee the end-to-end sales and profitability of a category within our Online Shopping Division at PnP Offices. The role involves close collaboration with category heads, analyzing profit margins and sales data, and executing category strategies across online platforms.

• Relevant Degree/Diploma (advantageous)
• At least 3 years' experience in Category Management; eCommerce experience preferred
• Knowledge of SAP & BW (advantageous)
• Experience in FMCG and/or General Merchandise industries (advantageous)
• Retail environment experience (advantageous)
• Proficiency in MS Excel and Microsoft Office tools

• Numerical reasoning skills
• Solutions-oriented with a can-do attitude & self-motivation
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels
• Influencing and persuasion skills
• Adaptability to change and quick learner
• People-oriented with attention to detail

• Partner with the Commercial Head and category teams to execute business strategies across all eCommerce touchpoints
• Ensure all products are listed on eCommerce platforms as per the commercial team's range
• Develop customer propositions through assortment planning, competitive pricing, attractive promotions, and appealing visuals
• Drive sales with innovative growth strategies aligned with promotional plans
• Coordinate with demand planners to ensure stock availability
• Manage product categories to maximize consumer appeal and profit
• Identify launch opportunities within trade plans and enhance online marketing campaigns
• Act as the digital ambassador for the category, liaising between various teams to foster digital growth
• Influence merchant behavior and build awareness among merchants and suppliers
• Collaborate with marketing, merchandising, and category teams on promotions and campaigns

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

Location: Cape Town

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Clicks Group

We are looking to recruit a Category Manager for Colour Cosmetics to join the Beauty Division within Clicks. The successful candidate will be based at Clicks Head Office in Cape Town and report to the Portfolio Manager.

Job Purpose:

To develop and execute the category strategy in order to achieve and exceed the category financial targets through rapidly accelerating category depth, strengthening pricing strategy, and driving private label and exclusive brands, thereby creating product differentiation and innovation to increase market share and profitability.

Job Objectives:

1. 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 for the budget and revenue for the category.
2. 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.
3. To maintain relationships with existing suppliers and source new suppliers for future product lines.
4. To implement a plan that will achieve Clicks' value proposition through price and promotion while meeting promotional sales targets.
5. To translate operating and financial plans into a balanced product assortment and visual on-shelf display to meet customer needs.
6. To support the sourcing and development of private label products and exclusive brands, creating product differentiation, innovation, and brand loyalty to increase market share and profitability.
7. To regularly review performance indicators, such as sales, margin, and promotional quantification, keeping the business updated on financial performance versus market and plan.
8. To conduct range reviews, analyze consumer buying patterns, predict future trends, and stay abreast of competitor activity.
9. To work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including marketing and Clubcard, to ensure effective delivery of the operating plan.
10. To support both the Merchandise and Graduate Development Programmes by playing an active role in facilitating training sessions to embed sound procurement principles and commercial awareness.

Job-Related Knowledge:

• 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

Job-Related Skills:

• Strong financial/business acumen with a merchant mindset
• Planning and organizational skills
• Ability to build strong supplier relationships
• Proficiency in all computer packages, i.e., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Problem solving and analytical thinking
• Strategic thinking and decision making
• Project management
• Training facilitation

Job Experience:

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

Education:

• B Degree or Diploma in Retail, Purchasing Management, or similar (Essential)
• Skills in Deciding and Initiating Action
• Working with People
• Persuading and Influencing
• Analyzing
• Learning and Researching
• Delivering Results & Meeting Customer Expectations
• Achieving Personal Work Goals and Objectives
• Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking