Johannesburg: Category Manager (Back 2 School) (JHB Onsite) posted by Datafin

March 14, 2026 Jobs in Central Johannesburg

Job Description

Category Manager (Back 2 School) (JHB Onsite)Media/Marketing/Sales
Johannesburg – Gauteng – South Africa

ENVIRONMENT:

A leading School Supplies Specialist seeks a highly strategic & target-driven Category Manager to manage its Back-to-School (BTS) Department which will include staff, sales, finance, admin and stock management. You will develop the sales strategy for your category in line with the national strategy, analyse school business and initiate corrective and improvement plans while ensuring achievement of regional BTS GP budget. You will require Matric/Grade 12, a minimum of 10 years of experience in a Management role or similar with extensive knowledge and understanding of stationery products, specifically BTS items.

DUTIES:

Management of the Back-to-School (BTS) Department. End to end. (Includes, Staff, sales, finance, admin, stock management, etc.).
Manage income and expenses of department.
Define departmental roles and responsibilities.
Staff training and development.
Effectively manage regional anomalies within BTS Department.
Price and margin management for schools category.
Management and creation of school supply agreements etc.
Stock management and ability to plan and order stock, accordingly, including forecasting.
Regional marketing.
Continuous communication with distribution centres, finance, retail stores and other internal departments.
Manage school relationships (teachers and school bodies).
Strategic Planning and ability to translate such into operational plans.
Attend new product launches.
Organise BTS events.
Develop sales strategy for your category in line with the national strategy for the category.
Analyse school business and initiate corrective and improvement plans.
Project manage all regional annual BTS launches and make sure they are all successful.
Relationship with the Reps to promote buy in to the BTS category.
Regular interaction with customers and calling with sales force.
Educate Reps and make them comfortable to sell the BTS concept and product.
Ensure achievement of regional BTS GP budget.
Develop, monitor and maintain call cycles for yourself and Sales staff.
Identify sales by product category/customer.
Utilise and monitor sales reporting tools.
Familiarity with price lists/own products/competitor products.
Working relationship with BTS supplier base

REQUIREMENTS:

Matric / Grade 12.
Degree/Diploma in Business Studies or Sales and Marketing Management will be advantageous.
At least 10 years of experience in a Management role or similar.
Advanced Computer Literacy in Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent management skills.
Prior experience in a similar environment would be an advantage.
Extensive knowledge and understanding of stationery products, specifically BTS items.
Knowledge of sources of supply.
Numerical skills and an aptitude for numbers.
The candidate should be strong on business development by sourcing new sales opportunities.
Proven track record of over-achieving deliverables.
Appropriate technical expertise, sound sales background and ability to provide product support and customer service.
The candidate should be a consultative seller, maintain and grow the portfolio.
Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
Valid Drivers Licence and own reliable vehicle.

ATTRIBUTES:

Appreciates systems and technology.
Strong affinity to process and systems implementation.
Exceptional organisational skills.
Superior ability to organize, plan and manage deadlines in an extremely high-paced environment.
Strong decision-making skills.
Interpersonal and social skills. Ability to deal with people at all levels in a professional, polite and enthusiastic manner, always presenting themselves and the company professionally.
Assertive personality with excellent communication skills.
Attention to detail, accuracy, efficiency, and speed.
Superior administrative skills and abilities.
The ability to interrogate data electronically and produce spread sheets for analysis, interpretation and interrogation.
Aptitude and understanding of general business and commercial principles.
The applicant should be professional, willing to learn, flexible, and responsive to change.
Energetic, creative, innovative and enthusiastic individual who has a passion for sales.

View Job Johannesburg: PA (JHB In office) posted by Datafin

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About Other IT/Computer Jobs in Gauteng

The IT and computer industry is one of the most dynamic and growing sectors in Gauteng, with a thriving job market that offers a wide range of opportunities for career advancement.

In terms of salary ranges, IT professionals in Gauteng can expect to earn anywhere from R800 000 per annum for junior positions to over R2 million for senior executives. The average salary for software engineers is around R1.5 million, while data analysts can earn between R900 000 and R1.2 million. With experience and skills, IT professionals in Gauteng can expect significant salary increases, with some roles offering bonuses and benefits that can increase their overall remuneration.

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View Job Amsterdam: Senior Project Engineer High Voltage posted by Talent Scout Recruitment

Career growth opportunities are abundant in the IT industry in Gauteng, with many companies investing heavily in employee training and development programs. With experience and skills, IT professionals can move into senior leadership positions or start their own businesses, while also pursuing further education and certifications. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is also a significant employer of IT staff, with roles ranging from software development to data analytics and cybersecurity.

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This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.

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