Category Manager

Company Description Safari Group of Companies is a fast-growing retail leader operating since 2000 across eight countries in Africa and the Middle East, including Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, Congo, Zambia, Uganda, Swaziland, and Dubai. With more than 40 stores, including multiple Duty Free outlets, the Group specializes in travel retail, electronics, fragrance, jewelry, and premium lifestyle brands. Its portfolio includes major global names such as JBL, Sony, Bose, Samsung, Lenovo, Asus, Samsonite, and American Tourister, with several authorized reseller and franchise operations. Safari Group also manages dedicated perfume and jewelry concepts, high-profile Duty Free locations, and premium audio solutions through Sound Creations. Recognized for sustained growth and innovation, the Group has been ranked among the Top 100 Mid-Sized Companies in Kenya for over eight consecutive years.
Reports To: Commercial Director / Head of RetailAbout the Role

The Joint Venture between Kenya Airways and the Safari Group of Companies is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Category Manager – Niche Products to lead the strategic growth and profitability of premium product categories, including perfumes, consumer electronics, and premium cigars.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, optimizing product assortment, and driving sales across both retail and distribution channels. This role requires a strong understanding of premium consumer products, inventory management, pricing strategies, and customer buying behavior in travel retail, duty-free, airport retail, and general trade environments.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and execute category strategies to maximize sales, profitability, and market share.
• Manage the full product lifecycle, including sourcing, product selection, pricing, promotions, and discontinuation.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with local and international suppliers and brand partners.
• Negotiate commercial agreements, pricing structures, rebates, and promotional support.
• Lead assortment planning based on consumer insights, market trends, and sales performance.
• Ensure optimal inventory levels by working closely with procurement and supply chain teams to minimize stock-outs and excess inventory.
• Analyze category performance using sales, margin, inventory, and market data to identify opportunities for growth.
• Develop promotional calendars and merchandising plans to increase category visibility and sales.
• Collaborate with retail operations to ensure excellent product presentation and execution in stores.
• Drive growth across both retail outlets and distribution networks by identifying new business opportunities and expanding market reach.
• Monitor competitor activity and emerging trends within the perfume, electronics, and premium cigar categories.
• Prepare sales forecasts, budgets, and regular performance reports for senior management.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements relating to tobacco products and other controlled merchandise.
• Work closely with finance, logistics, marketing, and operations teams to achieve business objectives.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Commerce, or a related field.
• Professional qualifications in Procurement, Marketing, or Category Management will be an added advantage.
Experience
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in Category Management, Buying, or Commercial Management.
• Proven experience managing premium or niche product categories such as perfumes, consumer electronics, luxury goods, tobacco products, or similar categories.
• Mandatory experience in both retail and distribution environments.
• Experience in travel retail, airport retail, duty-free, FMCG, luxury retail, or consumer electronics is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, assortment planning, pricing strategy, and inventory optimization.
Required Skills & Competencies
• Strong commercial and business acumen.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Advanced analytical and financial analysis capabilities.
• Strong understanding of inventory planning and demand forecasting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to interpret sales data and make data-driven decisions.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar).
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and multicultural business environment.
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Category sales growth.
• Gross margin improvement.
• Inventory turnover and stock availability.
• Supplier performance and commercial terms achieved.
• Market share growth.
• Forecast accuracy.
• New product launch success.
• Retail and distribution revenue growth.
• Customer satisfaction and product availability.
• Promotional campaign effectiveness.
What We Offer
• Opportunity to work within a prestigious joint venture between Kenya Airways and the Safari Group of Companies.
• Exposure to premium international brands and travel retail operations.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits package.
• Professional growth and career development opportunities.
• A collaborative and innovative working environment.
• Application Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate proven experience in managing niche product categories and provide evidence of successful retail and distribution portfolio management.