Category Manager (Baby Clothing & Softs) Apply by: 25 December 2025 Position summary Industry: Wholesale & Retail Trade Job category: Merchandising Location: Cape Town Contract: Permanent Remuneration: Market Related EE position: Yes About our company Clicks Group Introduction We are looking to recruit a Category Manager to work within our Trading department. The role will be based at Clicks Head Office in Cape Town and will 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, strengthen pricing strategy and driving private label and exclusive Brands thereby creating product differentiation and innovation to increase market share and profitability. 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 development and revenue for category To negotiate favourable 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 product lines To implement a plan that will achieve the Clicks' 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 customers 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 adhere to critical path deadlines, conduct range reviews, analyze 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 To coach and support team members to embed sound procurement principles and commercial awareness Experience: 2-4 years Category buying experience Managing objectives Experience with local and global supplier networks Education: B Degree or Diploma in Retail, Purchasing Management or similar 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 Sales and Margin Management Skills: Sound Financial/Business acumen with a merchant mind-set Planning and organisational skills Ability to build supplier relationships Competency in all computer packages, i.e. Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint Verbal and written communication Problem solving and analytical thinking Decision making Do you require help with the registration process? #J-18808-Ljbffr