Product Manager/Category Leader

Role Purpose

As the Experienced Product Manager/Category Leader for Electricity & Plumbing at LM South Africa, you will take charge of developing and expanding a high-stakes business segment. Your primary challenge is to establish, sustain, and grow our market presence against major international brands and recognized DIY/PRO retailers. You will ensure our customers (Inhabitants) have access to accessible, sustainable products that keep their homes comfortable, powered, and well-supplied with water. Reporting to the Market Leader, you will operate within a dynamic project team in South Africa, working closely with ADEO PRODUCTION and peers across other ADEO Business Units. You are the owner of your category’s overall performance, balancing economic growth, customer satisfaction, and positive impact.

Key Responsibilities

- Strategy & Vision: Co-build a data-driven, 3-year omnichannel Category Strategy (1P/3P) based on macro-trends, competitor analysis, and direct customer insights (store visits, round tables)
- Translate this vision into concrete Annual Guidelines
- Range Construction & Value Proposition: Build and manage structured, clear product ranges (Q1–Q4 quartiles) utilizing Core/Periphery and UCCP frameworks
- Ensure total coherence across the customer journey, encompassing merchandising, e-merch, services, commercial animation, and after-sales
- Supplier & Purchasing Strategy: Define and execute short- and medium-term supplier strategies with national and international partners
- Optimise purchasing conditions and trading terms to create sustainable added value and drive profitability
- Performance & Operational Excellence: Take full responsibility for the category's economic performance (Turnover, Profitability, Market Share) while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and customer satisfaction

Qualifications & Experience

- Experience: 5+ years of experience as a Product Manager, including at least 3 years managing a large-scale category. Proven track record in omnichannel commercialization within a multicultural, international context.
- Core Competencies: Expertise in range construction, advanced analytical and synthesis skills, and the ability to make strategic decisions autonomously. Strong capacity for transversal, non-hierarchical management.
- Customer Centricity: Deep ability to step into the customer's shoes across the entire omnichannel purchasing journey.
- Language: English proficiency is required (Minimum B2 level).
- Soft Skills: Recognized for your leadership, assertiveness, and taste for challenge. You are highly adaptable, open-minded, and autonomous, with a strong sensitivity to product and market dynamics. You bring "positive energy" to the team and have a proven ability to align and inspire your entire ecosystem around performance and financial goals.