Senior Category Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus

Medical aid and retirement plan

Career development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Influence strategic decisions

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Category Manager to lead strategic category growth in a hybrid Randburg-based role. You will own category P&L, develop market-facing strategies, and collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Procurement and Operations to maximize profitability.

You will analyze market dynamics, shopper insights, and competitive activity to uncover opportunities and drive innovation across the product portfolio. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Admin, Commerce, or related field; MBA is a strong advantage.
• 7–10 years in category management, brand management, or related commercial FMCG roles.
• Proven track record in growing FMCG categories and understanding retail dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies to drive sales, market share and profitability.
• Analyze performance, trends, consumer insights and competitive activity for growth.
• Manage portfolio including pricing, assortment and promotions.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Procurement and Operations for aligned execution.
• Build relationships with retail partners for mutual growth opportunities.
• Lead new product development and innovation within the category.
• Manage category P&L and meet financial targets.
• Prepare category reviews and strategic plans for senior management.
• Mentor junior team members and foster high performance.
• Stay updated on best practices and FMCG market trends.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Marketing/Business/Commerce

MBA (advantage)

Tools

MS Office Suite

Market data systems (Nielsen/IRI)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is actively seeking an experienced Senior Category Manager to join their strategic team in Randburg, Gauteng . This critical role involves driving category growth, defining strategic direction, and maximizing profitability for a portfolio of FMCG products. You will be responsible for understanding market dynamics, consumer insights, and competitive landscapes to develop compelling category strategies. The ideal candidate possesses a strong commercial acumen, proven experience in category management within the FMCG industry, and exceptional analytical and leadership skills. This position offers a dynamic hybrid work environment, blending collaborative office time in Randburg, Gauteng with remote flexibility. We are seeking a visionary leader who can influence stakeholders, drive innovation, and deliver outstanding results. Join our client in shaping the future of their product categories and achieving sustained market success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies to drive sales, market share, and profitability.
• Analyze category performance, market trends, consumer insights, and competitive activity to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage the product portfolio within the category, including pricing, assortment, and promotional planning.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Procurement, and Operations teams to ensure aligned execution of category plans.
• Build strong relationships with retail partners, understanding their needs and opportunities for mutual growth.
• Lead new product development and innovation initiatives within the category.
• Manage the category P&L, ensuring financial targets are met or exceeded.
• Develop and present category reviews and strategic plans to senior management.
• Mentor and develop junior category team members, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in category management and the FMCG market.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field; MBA is a strong advantage.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in category management, brand management, or a related commercial role within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing FMCG categories.
• Deep understanding of retail dynamics, shopper behavior, and category management principles.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent financial acumen and P&L management experience.
• Superior communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience in managing teams.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and experience with relevant market data systems (e.g., Nielsen, IRI).
• Must be based in or able to commute to Randburg, Gauteng , and comfortable with a hybrid work model.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement savings plan, and other benefits.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• A dynamic and stimulating work environment within a leading FMCG organization.
• Hybrid work arrangement for optimal work-life integration.
• Influence key strategic decisions for major FMCG categories.