Category Manager: Office Furniture and Specialised Filing

The Category Manager for Office Furniture and Specialised Filing is responsible for driving the growth and profitability of these categories within the Inland region. This role involves strategically managing the product range, pricing, and supplier relationships to meet sales targets while maintaining optimal stock levels.

Internal Stakeholders:

• Head of Procurement to ensure correct stock availability that balances customer demand with inventory control.
• Furniture Warehouse Manager to align stock delivery and installation schedules, ensuring seamless execution and customer satisfaction.
• Supports Key Account Managers, New Business Development Consultants, and Outbound agents by providing technical product knowledge and assistance, enabling them to better serve their customers.
• Cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Purchasing, Credit Control, and other internal teams is essential

Responsibilities:

• Accountable for the full category lifecycle, including supplier sourcing, product range development, pricing strategies, and margin management.
• Continuous monitoring of sales performance against budgets and forecasts allows for timely strategic adjustments to maximise trading profit.
• Plays a central role in training and upskilling sales teams on product knowledge, space planning, and sales techniques.
• Organises factory visits and working alongside marketing teams to develop promotional campaigns.
• Relationship management with key corporate customers, internal divisions, and external suppliers to foster loyalty and ensure excellent service delivery.
• Credit control responsibilities within the category to safeguard the financial health of the business.
• Maintaining close collaboration with the Head of Procurement to optimise stock levels and prevent both shortages and excess inventory.
• Partners with the Furniture Warehouse Manager to coordinate delivery and installation schedules, ensuring customer commitments are met efficiently.
• Leadership duties include monitoring team performance, managing conflicts, enforcing company policies, controlling budgets, and driving a culture of professionalism and customer focus. 

The manager actively pursues sales growth through target setting, promotions, and exploring new business opportunities.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• 6 to 7 years of relevant experience in office furniture, specialised filing, or related sectors
• Proven expertise in category management, supplier negotiation, and team leadership.
• A post-matric diploma or equivalent qualification is preferred.

This role will be based in Germiston.