Commercial Executive at Clicks Group

Introduction


The Commercial Executive interprets the brand plan and leads category strategies, assortment and pricing, space and range execution, and promotion strategy.
The role secures supplier commitment and negotiates favourable trading terms, collaborates with internal stakeholders, and communicates performance with clear insights and actions.
This role will be based at Clicks Head Office in Woodstock, Cape Town reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer.


Job Description

Job Purpose


To drive competitive, sustainable growth for the Commercial division by leading category strategy, value retailing and supplier partnerships, in order to grow market share, improve margin and deliver business objectives. The role requires a deep category expert and a proven trader who can take the business to the next level in a highly competitive environment.


Job Objectives


Develop category strategies and operating plans aligned to Commercial and Group priorities.
Lead product assortment strategy, driving New and Only at Clicks to position the business as a destination in health and beauty.
Execute space and range principles to deliver impactful in‑store execution and seamless digital merchandising.
Drive the Value pillar through price policy, promotion strategy and trade terms to achieve margin, sales and customer outcomes.
Define budgets and develop annual operating plans; monitor KPIs and course‑correct with data‑led proposals.
Cultivate and manage supplier relationships; negotiate robust trading terms, joint business plans and service levels.
Work collaboratively with Supply Chain, Stores, OMNI, Finance and Marketing to ensure end‑to‑end delivery.
Build high performing teams through effective people management and development to meet current and future objectives.
Streamline Merchandise ways of working across operating divisions to improve speed and efficiency.


Minimum requirements

Functional Expertise


Deep category experience in FMCG and health and beauty with proven trading performance
Value retailing expertise and sharp commercial judgement
Digital savvy across e‑commerce, retail media and data‑driven merchandising
Global thinking with local understanding of South African FMCG and customer missions
Supply chain understanding from sourcing to shelf availability and fulfilment
Financial planning, budget management and P&L ownership
Supplier co‑op negotiations, trading terms and joint business planning
Retail management, market trends and competitor analysis
Relevant legislation, food and product labelling where applicable


Performance Measures


Category sales, margin and market share growth
Price perception and promotion ROI
Supplier trading terms and joint business plan delivery
Team engagement, capability and talent retention
Operating plan delivery and process efficiency


Skills and Attributes


Commercial acumen with strong negotiating skills
Entrepreneurial mindset with enterprise thinking
Tenacious and resilient with high ownership and follow through
Analytical thinking with ability to leverage data and insights for decision-making.
Strategic thinking and decision making
Influencing and relationship building with internal and external partners
Verbal and written communication with ability to present clear, actionable insights.
Attention to detail and bias for action
Authentic and principled leadership with strong trading capability and a genuine, people‑centred approach.


Minimum Education & experience requirements


Education: Relevant degree (e.g., B Comm), essential; MBA or post graduate degree, desirable.
Experience: Over 5 to 8 years in a senior commercial role in retail or FMCG with proven results.
Track Record: Demonstrated category growth, margin improvement and successful supplier negotiations in competitive environments


Competencies


Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking
Analysing
Deciding and Initiating Action
Leading and Supervising
Planning and Organizing
Persuading and Influencing
Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
Formulating Strategies and Concepts
Authenticity and Integrity