Our client requires the expertise of a Category Manager for their Power tool and Power tool Accessories Division based in Johannesburg.

Minimum Requirements:
• Tertiary qualification or relevant Marketing degree/diploma
• B Comm. IMM GSM etc. recommended.
• Proven track record with progression within a company
• 10 years experience in the Power Tool distribution Industry
• Analytical skills to provide accurate reporting
• Working knowledge and understanding of a P&L
• Advanced Computer literacy (Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
• A valid code 08 drivers license

Additional Requirements

• A thorough understanding of the power tool industry
• A clear understanding of the use of power tools and accessories in the marketplace
• Current up to date knowledge of industry trends, competitors and end user requirements.
• Ability to develop and implement a marketing strategy for the brands within the category
• Clear understanding of the trade channels and exposure to working with key accounts and sales management teams
• Exposure to developing strategy and creating new opportunities for growth
• Ability to demonstrate a clear understanding of the core principles in terms marketing, project management and sales in planning process
• Effective brand planning and forecasting ability
• Excellent execution and project management skills
• Ability to build strategic and collaborative working relationships across the business
• Financial and commercial acumen
• Strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills
• Proactive, always professional, ethical and thrives in a team based environment

DUTIES:

Product and market knowledge:

• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of all product within the category
• Maintain and utilize a solid knowledge of opposition products i.e. pricing, range, market share etc.
• Proactively asses and manage our competitive environment with a keen eye towards understanding and evaluating business opportunities and brand plan development.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis and clearly differentiate and position product in the marketplace.
Budgets, forecasting and financial

• Produce, implement and attain the annual category budget
• Monitor and drive brand performance targets
• Have in-depth knowledge and understanding of a P&L and brand profitability
• Effective brand planning and forecasting ability

Product development and Procurement:
• Attend Local and international trade shows with a view to establishing and securing new product lines.
• In conjunction with the Procurement department negotiate pricing and terms with potential as well as existing suppliers.
• Regularly meet with both local and international suppliers with a view to building and maintaining personal and strategic relationships.
• Negotiate pricing within parameters set by management throughout the supply chain, from factory to distributor.
• Work in conjunction with the Procurement department to follow up on orders to ensure timeous deliveries and that special instructions are adhered to.
• Lead new product development strategies and specific projects on assigned brands, including line extensions and other future innovation aligned to our overall strategy.
• Manage and direct the entire process of product development from proposal through to product launch.
• Collaborate with sales management teams to gather trade information and identify opportunities.
• Engage with key stakeholders to ensure cross-functional alignment with the brand agenda, objectives and targets

Sales and Marketing:
• Ensure that adequate focus is placed on the brand agenda, by engaging key stakeholders and increasing the visibility of the strategy and ambition of the brand
• Collaboration with appropriate Channel Managers and marketing department to optimize impact of the brands
• Identify and recommend relevant marketing support requirements
• Develop & implement in conjunction with the marketing department innovative awareness and activation campaigns
• Lead the strategic planning process for the assigned brands based on key consumer insights to enhance current portfolio and improve communication
• Assist in producing marketing material including training manuals, effective POS material, product specific promotional activity etc

SALARY: R800k CTC, Medical aid, Provident fund