BRIEF DESCRIPTION:-
The Category Specialist- Promotional Gifting & Corporate Clothing role involves managing the promotional gifting and corporate apparel product line, including market analysis, supplier negotiation, pricing strategies, and inventory management. The main responsibilities include developing product lines, sourcing and onboarding suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing, and providing training and support to sales teams. Key requirements include relevant tertiary education, extensive category management experience, proficiency with ERP systems, and strong analytical and negotiation skills.
Job Title: Promotional Gifting & Corporate Apparel Category Manager – On-site – Germiston Company: Datafin Recruitment
Description
CONTEXT
A distinguished Retailer seeks a Category Manager to oversee the promotional gifting and corporate apparel category across their designated region. This position requires a blend of category management skills, commercial insight, and supplier relationship management to maintain the category’s competitiveness, trendiness, and profitability. Collaborating with sales teams, marketing, supply chain, and procurement, the manager offers product expertise, training, and support to facilitate effective customer interaction and category expansion.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Formulate, enhance, and refine the promotional gifting and corporate apparel product line in line with market trends and customer demands; perform regular market and competitor analysis to uncover new product prospects • Identify, assess, and onboard new suppliers; negotiate pricing, rebates, payment terms, and service level agreements to achieve optimal commercial outcomes and consistent supply • Establish and review category pricing to ensure competitiveness while safeguarding profit margins; track cost price fluctuations and apply pricing adjustments that align with business goals • Deliver product knowledge, training, and marketing materials to sales teams; address internal and customer inquiries about product specifications, availability, and customization • Work with supply chain and warehouse teams to uphold optimal inventory levels; oversee stock turnover and sluggish inventory, implementing clearance strategies when necessary • Compile periodic category performance reports including sales trends, stock turnover, margin analysis, and supplier evaluations; ensure precise product and pricing data in ERP systems • Keep abreast of promotional products and corporate apparel industry trends; conduct competitor analysis and participate in industry events to stay updated on market developments and identify growth opportunities
REQUIREMENTS
• Relevant tertiary degree in Marketing, Purchasing, Business Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (Diploma or Degree) • Extensive experience in category management, buying, procurement, or product management with a focus on supplier negotiation and product range development • Experience in the promotional gifting, corporate apparel, apparel, or FMCG sectors with familiarity in B2B sales environments and pricing/margin management • Proficiency with ERP and inventory systems | Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) | Quotation generation and pricing management tools • Strong analytical abilities, commercial awareness, and the capacity to balance competitiveness with profitability in a dynamic, trend-driven category
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Professional certifications in category management, procurement, or supply chain management • Experience managing product categories with responsibility for seasonal and campaign-driven ranges • Proven success in supplier negotiation and establishing collaborative supplier partnerships
TECHNICAL SKILLS
• Category management | Supplier negotiation & relationship management | Market & competitor analysis | ERP & order management systems | Pricing & margin management | Product lifecycle management | Stock management & demand forecasting | Financial analysis
ATTRIBUTES
• Soft Skills: Commercial acumen | Analytical thinking & data interpretation | Communication & presentation | Negotiation & influencing | Stakeholder relationship management | Problem-solving & decision-making | Attention to detail | Proactive initiative
APPLICATION INFORMATION
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