Recruitment Room Team

National Category Manager (ITH/ITS) (JHB)

Johannesburg – Gauteng – South Africa
1 day ago
Contract
Application ends: September 18, 2025
Deadline date:
September 18, 2025

Job Description


ENVIRONMENT:
DRIVE category growth, profitability, and strategic development of the IT Hardware and Supplies product range across all regions of a leading Retailer as its next National Category Manager. This will include overseeing performance across retail, commercial, contract, and tender channels. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on, data-driven individual capable of operating at both strategic and operational levels, with the ability to lead initiatives nationally, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and develop strong supplier and customer relationships. You must preferably have a tertiary qualification in Sales/Marketing or similar with 6–10 years’ experience in IT or ICT Sales/Category Management, in a national role, Advanced Excel, Data Analysis capabilities, working knowledge of ERP systems, a solid understanding of IT Supplies/Hardware product landscape & the ability to conduct market benchmarking and competitive price analysis.
 
DUTIES:
Category Sales & Business Development (National Scope) –
  • Develop and implement national sales strategies to grow the IT Hardware & Supplies category across all regions.
  • Drive achievement of national sales targets and gross profit objectives.
  • Lead the sales strategy for our key target customer base while working and aligning with the Regional Sales teams
  • Conduct regional performance analysis and implement tailored strategies to address gaps and optimise growth.
  • Collaborate with Regional and Branch Sales Managers to execute national plans at local levels.
  • Identify and capitalise on new business opportunities and untapped markets.
  • Maintain regular contact with key accounts nationally to ensure customer satisfaction and identify upselling opportunities.
  • Monitor national portfolio reports (buying patterns, non-buyers, trends) and drive immediate response strategies.
  • Analyse historical and projected sales data to anticipate future business requirements.
  • Support the commercial tender process by contributing product insights, pricing strategies, and supplier collaboration.
 
National Marketing & Promotions –
  • Plan and implement national marketing campaigns, promotions, and category events to boost brand visibility and sales.
  • Ensure alignment and execution of promotional activity across all sales channels (retail, commercial, online).
  • Benchmark pricing nationally and ensure competitive positioning.
  • Provide national oversight of retail merchandising and in-store promotional compliance.
  • Lead market research efforts to track consumer behaviour and competitor trends.
  • Collaborate with the National Marketing team to develop category-specific campaigns and digital content.
 
Customer Engagement & Relationship Management –
  • Build and maintain national customer relationships to enhance loyalty and retention.
  • Address escalated customer queries or complaints swiftly and effectively.
  • Provide national sales teams with training, product information, and support tools.
  • Identify and respond to evolving customer needs across all regions.
 
Product Strategy & Category Development –
  • Create and implement a national category development roadmap.
  • Source and select new products aligned with customer demand and strategic goals.
  • Drive product performance and lifecycle management in collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
  • Conduct supplier negotiations at a national level to secure optimal pricing, terms, and support.
  • Monitor and manage product pricing to maximise margins and market competitiveness.
 
Stock & Supplier Management –
  • Control and oversee national stock levels to ensure availability and reduce slow-moving inventory.
  • Liaise with suppliers and distribution centres to manage national inventory and resolve stock discrepancies.
  • Drive supplier performance and foster strategic relationships to enhance category competitiveness.
  • Lead national markdown strategies and stock reallocation plans.
 
Key Account & SBD Management –
  • Manage National Supplies Big Deals (SBDs), contracts, and pricing agreements.
  • Ensure consistent and timely reporting to senior leadership on SBD-related matters.
  • Collaborate with the Contracts and Sales Support teams to ensure accurate and timely SBD implementation.
  • Visit strategic accounts nationally to maintain and expand relationships.
 
Reporting & Administration –
  • Prepare and submit national category performance reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly).
  • Analyse sales and financial data to make strategic recommendations.
  • Track and report on new business development and lost business trends nationally.
  • Provide reports as requested distributors and supply partners as and when required.
 
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Tertiary qualification in Sales, Marketing, Business Management, or similar (preferred).
  • Minimum 6–10 years’ experience in IT or ICT Sales/Category Management, in a national role.
  • Experience in the ICT reseller or distribution channel is highly recommended.
  • Demonstrated track record of achieving sales growth and category development.
  • Strong knowledge of national retail, commercial, and contract sales environments.
  • Experience managing supplier negotiations and national promotional execution.
  • Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel nationally.
 
Technical Requirements –
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel and Data Analysis capabilities.
  • Working knowledge of ERP systems.
  • Solid understanding of IT Supplies/Hardware product landscape.
  • Ability to conduct market benchmarking and competitive price analysis.
 
ATTRIBUTES:
  • Proven ability to operate at strategic, tactical, and operational levels.
  • Advanced analytical and data interpretation skills.
  • Strong planning, organisational, and project management abilities.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
  • Resilient, self-driven, and highly results oriented.
  • Commercial acumen with a strong understanding of profitability levers.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to engage cross-functional teams and external stakeholders. 
  • Ability to influence without direct authority and manage virtual teams. 

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