Senior Category Manager

About Le Creuset

At Le Creuset, every dish begins with a story - and every story begins with people. Since 1925, we’ve brought generations together around the table, transforming everyday meals into cherished memories. Our legacy is built on colour, craft, and a deep passion for innovation - shaped as much by our iconic products as by the people who bring them to life. We’re not just creating cookware; we’re creating moments that last a lifetime. If you’re inspired by heritage, driven by creativity, and ready to shape the future of the kitchen, we’d love to welcome you into our story.

Role Summary

The Senior Category Manager leads and executes the product and category management strategy for Le Creuset South Africa across all product groups, ensuring alignment with global brand direction, commercial priorities, and local market dynamics.

This role is responsible for a comprehensive range planning, strategic product selection, lifecycle management, demand forecasting, stock optimisation, and supplier engagement to maximise sales, margin, and overall category performance.

Through data‑driven decision‑making, cross‑functional collaboration, and strong commercial stewardship, the Senior Category Manager ensures the long‑term competitiveness, profitability, and growth of each category within the South African market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement seasonal and annual buying plans aligned with Le Creuset international brand strategy and local business objectives
• Lead product selection across all categories including cookware, bakeware, accessories, kitchen tools, and limited editions.
• Work closely with global counterparts to localise assortments for South Africa’s customer and climate profile.
• Analyse historical data, market trends, and sales forecasts to create accurate demand plans.
• Work with planning and logistics teams to ensure product availability and optimal stock levels.
• Manage relationships with Le Creuset global supply chain teams and other approved vendors.
• Liaise with international counterparts on product timelines, order placement, and availability.
• Ensure all sourcing aligns with brand standards for quality, ethics, and sustainability.
• Monitor and manage stock levels to minimise overstock and stockouts.
• Product Launch & Merchandising - Partner with marketing, ecommerce, and retail teams to support product launches and campaigns; monitoring and flagging delays in product launches to relevant stakeholders.
• Pricing & Margin Management - Set local retail and wholesale pricing strategies in line with global pricing guidelines and local market realities.
• Reporting & Analysis - Provide regular reporting on sales, stock, and profitability performance by range.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in a retail buying role, ideally within premium or international consumer brands.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with demand planning tools and Excel/ERP systems.
• Proficiency with Power BI for reporting purposes
• Excellent negotiation, supplier management, and communication skills.
• Deep understanding of the South African retail landscape and consumer behaviour.
• Experience working with global stakeholders and adhering to brand governance.
• Commercial acumen and decision-making.
• Strategic thinking with attention to operational detail.
• Experience in Logility is advantageous
• Experience with Salesforce Commerce Cloud or similar ecommerce platforms.
• Familiarity with D365
• Passion for cookware, kitchenware, and lifestyle/home categories.

Why Join Our Table?

At Le Creuset, you will find your seat at our table, which is as colourful as our cookware and rich in history. Our table is grounded in our values: Passion, Integrity, Excellence, Innovation and Teamwork.

Every talent will add flavor. Every idea brings colour. And every day is a chance to create something that lasts. With the passion you bring, you become part of a timeless legacy, one that brings people together around food, stories, and meaningful shared moments.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, race, ethnic or national origin. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.