Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Software
Timeline
Generic

Jyden Pillay

Category Manager (FMCG & Liquor)
1 Canvas Road

Summary

Innovative Category Manager with a demonstrated ability to improvise and resolve issues effectively. Experienced in managing customer and supplier relations, first-rate attention to detail and a creative mindset. I have a unique blend of creative and analytical abilities that are adaptable to a wide variety of different situations and work effectively with all levels of management in a cross-multifunctional team.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Category Manager (FMCG & Liquor)

Yassir
03.2024 - Current
  • Developed detailed sales forecasts based on historical data, allowing for proactive inventory management decisions.
  • Analyzed sales performance and adjusted marketing strategies to optimize revenue generation.
  • Managed a diverse portfolio of products, ensuring optimal mix between high-margin items and cost-effective options for customers.
  • Benchmarked category performance against industry standards, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted initiatives.
  • Reduced inventory costs through effective vendor negotiations and optimizing product assortments.
  • Increased overall category sales by developing and executing strategic merchandising plans.
  • Monitored market to capitalize on latest trends.
  • Established strong rapport with suppliers, leading to favorable contract terms and better access to exclusive products or promotions.

National Category Planner (Oral Care & Shaving)

DotActiv (Dis-Chem Account)
10.2022 - 03.2024
  • Implemented comprehensive reporting systems for tracking category KPIs and driving continuous improvement efforts.
  • Developed strategic category plans to optimize product mix and maximize profitability.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements in supply chain operations, resulting in increased efficiency.
  • Created detailed analyses of sales data to identify opportunities for growth within specific categories or channels.
  • Increased sales performance with the implementation of targeted promotional strategies and pricing optimization.
  • Conducted market research to identify emerging trends, ensuring timely incorporation into category plans.
  • Established strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration for mutual success.
  • Improved product placement efficiency by executing planograms and ensuring proper merchandise presentation.

Marketing & Sales Officer

Moving Parts Tractor Spares (Pty) Ltd
04.2021 - 10.2022
  • Coordinated marketing initiatives and utilized referral networks to promote business development.
  • Identified appropriate marketing channels and target customers for marketing campaigns.
  • Managed system support functions to set priorities and communicate service levels expectations.
  • Completed sales with customer-savvy quotes and proposals.

New Product Development Team Leader

Smarter Business Ltd BPO
03.2019 - 10.2020
  • Initiated and reviewed product development operations, including budgets, expenditures and market research.
  • Developed and initiated projects, managed costs, and monitored product and team performance.
  • Supported future project development through drafting of marketing proposals and materials.
  • Approved final imagery and marketing materials for each product.
  • Fostered relationships with vendors to maintain positive working relationships.

Sales Consultant & 2IC

African Bank
11.2017 - 02.2019
  • Closed over 400 transactions per year worth in excess of R12 000 000.
  • Used consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs and recommend relevant products and services.
  • Advised clients on appropriate product selections based on their unique needs, ensuring optimal satisfaction levels upon purchase.
  • Assisted customers with opening or closing accounts, completing loan applications and signing up for new services.
  • Assisted with complex transactions using overrides and functions requiring additional authorization levels.
  • Performed routine closings, maintained accurate and accessible records and kept monitored transaction updates throughout each month and quarter.

Education

Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing And Supply Chain Management

University of KwaZulu-Natal
Pietermaritzburg
01.2014 - 07.2017

National Senior Certificate -

Maritzburg College
Pietermaritzburg
01.2008 - 12.2013

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Vendor Relations

Merchandising Understanding

Supplier Contracts

Category Development

Pricing Strategy

Demand Forecasting

Marketing Coordination

Product Management

Promotional Planning

Data Analytics

E-commerce Management

Software

Microsoft Office

Salesforce

DotActiv

Google Suite

Gazelle

Odoo

Timeline

Category Manager (FMCG & Liquor)

Yassir
03.2024 - Current

National Category Planner (Oral Care & Shaving)

DotActiv (Dis-Chem Account)
10.2022 - 03.2024

Marketing & Sales Officer

Moving Parts Tractor Spares (Pty) Ltd
04.2021 - 10.2022

New Product Development Team Leader

Smarter Business Ltd BPO
03.2019 - 10.2020

Sales Consultant & 2IC

African Bank
11.2017 - 02.2019

Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing And Supply Chain Management

University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.2014 - 07.2017

National Senior Certificate -

Maritzburg College
01.2008 - 12.2013
Jyden PillayCategory Manager (FMCG & Liquor)