Category Manager - EM South (Maternity Cover)

About the role

The Category Manager – EM South (Maternity Cover) will lead the sportswear apparel range for the EM South market, ensuring the product portfolio aligns with global standards while meeting local consumer needs. This role is pivotal for driving sales growth, profitability and market share across all sales channels.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with the CTC Director to define and execute the sportswear product strategy, including lifecycle and localized development.
• Build and manage the seasonal go‑to‑market (GTM) process, delivering a compelling range that balances consumer insight, brand direction and commercial goals.
• Own pricing, margin and product mix to achieve net sales and gross margin targets.
• Forecast product demand accurately and conduct market trend analysis to inform assortment decisions.
• Collaborate with the Sportswear Hub team to develop range enhancements and new product concepts.
• Maintain range architecture, ensuring alignment with brand focus, pricing guidelines and efficiency targets.
• Monitor product data, conduct monthly sell‑through analysis and adjust the assortment as needed.
• Support seasonal brand activations by coordinating with marketing and omni‑channel teams.

Required profile

• Proven experience in merchandising, category or assortment planning, preferably within the sportswear or lifestyle sector.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering sales and margin growth.
• Deep understanding of the Sub‑Saharan African consumer market.
• Excellent presentation, communication and influencing abilities.
• Highly organized, process‑oriented and capable of working cross‑functionally.

Required skills

• Microsoft Excel (intermediate to advanced)
• Microsoft PowerPoint (intermediate to advanced)
• Proficiency with MS Office suite