Cape Town City Centre: Portfolio Manager

JOB OBJECTIVES Develop and ensure effective execution of the category operating plan (financial and product execution) for a portfolio of categories to achieve business objectives Review top-down and bottom-up financial plans with the Planning Portfolio Manager, ensuring weekly reporting against targets Manage a team of Category Buyers and Managers, set ambitious goals, and develop improvement plans for product ranging, pricing strategies, cross-sales, merchandising, and promotion management Critically evaluate and sign off category range reviews to improve profitability, product offering, and market share Implement space and range principles to deliver impactful in-store execution Oversee strategic meetings with key suppliers, strengthening relationships and driving commercial results Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of the operating plan Track global and local category developments/trends to ensure relevance to customers Identify opportunities to streamline operations, drive departmental efficiencies, manage departmental expense budgets, and reduce expenses Build high-performing teams through effective people management, recruitment, and development aligned with transformation targets MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Job Knowledge: Operating plan development Supplier relationship management Procurement and supply chain Business objectives and strategies Business processes Retail management Market trends and competitor analysis Supplier co-op negotiations and trading terms Financial planning and budgeting Employee relations and performance management Knowledge of relevant legislation Job Experience: 46 years FMCG Category Management experience 23 years People Management experience at senior level Experience with local and global supplier networks essential Education: B Degree or Diploma in Retail, Purchasing Management, or similar (Desirable) Business Science, B.Comm, MBA, CIS (Desirable) JOB-RELATED SKILLS Ability to drive and motivate teams Strong financial/business acumen with a merchant mindset Strong negotiation skills Planning and organisational skills Ability to build strong supplier relationships Proven track record managing commercial teams in a fast-changing environment Competency in computer packages (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) Verbal and written communication skills Problem-solving and analytical thinking Strategic thinking and decision-making Attention to detail Project management skills