Monique Nel

June 1, 2026

Location: Woodmead branch
Department: Product
Reports to: Business Unit Manager - HP
Job Type: Permanent

Purpose of the Role:
This role represents a senior-level Product Category Management position within the HP Business Unit, responsible for managing selected HP BPS, CPS and HPS product categories as well as the HP Operations lead.
The role goes beyond traditional product management by combining tactical execution and operational leadership. The role operates with delegated authority within the HP portfolio, executing strategy, priorities and plans set by the Business Unit Manager. The incumbent will take accountability for executing category strategy, driving commercial performance, and leading HP operational execution in alignment with business objectives. Acting as an extension of the Business Unit Manager, this role plays a critical part in shaping category strategy, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring operational discipline across the HP portfolio..

 Key Responsibilities 

1. Category Strategy

• Drive the consolidated strategy for the HP HPS and CPS product categories.
• Translate business unit objectives into clear category roadmaps, annual plans, and quarterly execution priorities.
• Identify structural growth opportunities, category gaps, and risk areas and proactively recommend corrective actions.
• Provide strategic input into vendor engagement, ranging decisions, and long-term category direction.

2. Product & Brand Management

• Manage overall performance of assigned HP categories, including forecasting, pricing, stock planning, and ensuring availability.
• Present product strategies, business plans, and quarterly targets to the Business Unit Manager.
• Meet vendor expectations, reporting requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Take category-level accountability for performance, rather than single-category execution.
• Present integrated category strategies, risks, and performance insights to Business Unit Manager.
• Plan marketing activities for designated product categories.
• Ensure optimal stock health by monitoring aged inventory, forecasting needs, and recommending corrective action.
• Manage SKU lifecycle, including onboarding of new products and EOL processes.

3. Financial & Business Acumen

• Develop and maintain pricing models, margin structures, and promotional proposals.
• Track and manage profitability, rebates, claims, and budget adherence.
• Analyse performance trends and take proactive action to maintain growth.

4. Sales Enablement & Go-To-Market

• Work with Sales Account Managers to drive HP sales in order to achieve revenue targets.
• Provide product training, product roadmaps, and competitive insights to internal and external sales teams.
• Shape sales priorities, key campaigns, and partner engagements in collaboration with Sales Leadership, Marketing Manager and the HP Business Unit Manager.

5. HP Operations Leadership

• HP Operations & Execution Oversight
• Lead and coordinate end-to-end HP operational functions across reporting, share of business, coherence and HP operational projects.
• Take ownership of HP operational processes previously managed within the Product Management function, ensuring continuity and improvement.
• Ensure effective cross-functional coordination between Product, Sales, Finance, Business Services, Logistics, and Supply Chain teams.
• Drive operational discipline, process optimisation, and issue resolution to support portfolio performance and customer satisfaction.

6. Vendor & Partner Engagement

• Maintain strong vendor relationships, ensuring alignment with brand strategy, market requirements, and commercial targets.
• Work closely with marketing teams to support brand visibility, campaigns, and channel enablement.
• Support the Business Unit Manager in senior-level vendor discussions, negotiations, and escalations

Education and Experience:

• Grade 12.
• 5+ years’ experience in product, commercial, or portfolio management within IT distribution or a related industry, with demonstrated exposure to strategic execution and operational leadership.
• Product Certification (advantageous).

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

• Brand specific knowledge of product and processes.
• Distributor/reseller understanding.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Good understanding of the ICT industry and the ability to keep up with Technology and Industry Developments.
• Proficient in MS office suite, specifically advanced skills in Excel.
• Strong planning and organising skills.
• Time management skills.
• Technology certified – carry all vendor certifications.

Behavioural Skills:

• Ability to build effective internal and external relationships.
• Ability to cope with stress.
• Ability to manage and deal with conflict.
• Ability to take own initiative.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Conscientious and Deadline driven.
• Financially lierate.
• Enthusiastically productive.
• Polite and professional conduct.
• Process and rule driven.
• Strong customer orientation.
• Recognise opportunities for change.
• Team Player. 

Working Conditions:

• Office-based with standard business hours (some flexibility may be required).
• May be required to work overtime occasionally depending on business needs.

Additional:

• Reliable transport.

To apply for this position, please send your CV and supporting documents to: hr@tarsus.co.za