Category Manager

Placements24; Hurlingham; On-site; ARS 82,493,000 - 128,323,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Health benefits

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager to lead the development and management of key FMCG product categories in Sandton. You will analyze market data, build strategies, optimize assortments, pricing, and promotions to drive growth and profitability.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in category or brand management, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams to deliver results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field (MBA is a plus).
• Experience in category management or brand management within FMCG preferred.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to hit sales, profit, and market-share targets.
• Analyze category performance, trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and gaps.
• Manage product portfolio including assortment, new introductions, and lifecycle management.
• Develop pricing and promotional strategies in collaboration with sales and marketing.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders for alignment.
• Monitor competitor actions and market dynamics to maintain competitive edge.

Skills

Analytical skills

Category management

Pricing strategy

Supplier relations

Cross-functional influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Economics or related field

MBA (preferred)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager to lead the development and management of key product categories within the FMCG sector in Sandton . This role is responsible for driving category growth, profitability, and market share through effective product assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies. You will analyze market data, consumer trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats, making informed decisions that shape our client's product offerings. The ideal candidate possesses strong commercial acumen and a deep understanding of the FMCG landscape in Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies to achieve business objectives, including sales, profit, and market share targets.
• Analyze category performance, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and product gaps.
• Manage product portfolio, including assortment optimization, new product introductions, and product lifecycle management.
• Develop and implement effective pricing and promotional strategies in collaboration with sales and marketing teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful execution.
• Monitor competitor activities and market dynamics, providing recommendations to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management or brand management within the FMCG industry .
• Proven ability to analyze complex data, develop strategic plans, and drive category growth.
• Strong understanding of retail and distribution channels relevant to the FMCG market.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and ability to influence cross-functional teams in Sandton .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and attractive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and other benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Chance to manage influential brands and shape category direction.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment within a leading FMCG organization .