Category Manager

Reference: HC005797-Mbhal-1

Category Manager – Cleaning Chemicals, Equipment & Paper Products

Johannesburg

Do you know what makes a product successful long before it reaches the customer?

We're looking for a commercially astute

Category Manager who can identify market opportunities, build strategic supplier partnerships, and drive the growth and profitability of a high-performing product portfolio.

This is more than managing products—it's about owning an entire category. You'll influence sourcing decisions, launch innovative products, develop pricing strategies, and work closely with sales and operations to ensure commercial success.

If you're passionate about market trends, negotiations, product strategy, and delivering measurable business results, this could be your next career-defining move.

Why Join Us?

Own and grow a strategic product category

Influence sourcing, pricing and product strategy

Build relationships with leading suppliers

Drive new product innovation and market growth

Partner with cross-functional teams across Sales, Operations and Supply Chain

Join a respected organisation with exciting growth opportunities

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to maximise sales, profitability and market share.
• Identify new product opportunities through market research, customer insights and industry trends.
• Source, evaluate and negotiate with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and service excellence.
• Manage the full product lifecycle, from sourcing and product launches through to ongoing portfolio optimisation.
• Analyse sales performance, margins, profitability and ROI to make commercially sound recommendations.
• Develop pricing strategies that support business growth while maintaining target margins.
• Monitor competitor activity and market developments to identify opportunities and potential risks.
• Partner with Regional Sales teams to ensure products meet customer and market requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Support product launches through training, marketing initiatives and sales enablement.
• Work closely with Supply Chain to ensure product availability and resolve stock-related issues.
• Maintain accurate product information, pricing structures and category reporting.

What We're Looking For

Relevant tertiary qualification in Marketing, Business, Procurement or a related field

3–5 years' experience in Category Management, Product Management or Commercial Management

Experience within cleaning chemicals, hygiene products, paper products or related industries will be highly advantageous

Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills

Experience managing suppliers and product portfolios

Ability to analyse sales, profitability and market data to drive business decisions

Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder management skills

Advanced Microsoft Excel and strong reporting capabilities

Willingness to travel with a valid driver's licence and reliable vehicle

Ready to Take Ownership of a Category?

If you're a commercially minded professional who enjoys turning market insights into business success, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today by sending your updated CV to: ***email_hidden***

R 500 000 - R 600 000