Category Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 96,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonuses

Hybrid work arrangement

Comprehensive health insurance and退休基金

Professional development opportunities

Exposure to diverse FMCG categories

Collaborative and analytical work环境

Impactful role in product strategy and

Job summary

Placements24 in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, is seeking an experienced Category Manager to oversee a key FMCG product portfolio. You will drive profitability, market share, and consumer engagement through market analysis, product development, pricing, promotions, and supplier management in a hybrid, cross-functional environment.

The ideal candidate has a 5+ year track record in Category or Brand Management within FMCG, strong analytical and strategic skills, and proficiency with Nielsen/IRI data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Category Management, Brand Management, or a related role within FMCG.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Proficiency in category management software, data analysis tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI), and MS Office Suite.
• Deep knowledge of the South African FMCG market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic category plans to achieve sales, market share, and profitability targets.
• Conduct in-depth market and consumer research to identify trends, opportunities, and unmet needs.
• Manage the product lifecycle, including new product development, product rationalization, and discontinuations.
• Develop and execute pricing and promotional strategies for assigned categories.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, negotiating terms and ensuring optimal product sourcing.
• Collaborate closely with sales, marketing, operations, and finance teams to ensure cohesive execution of category plans.
• Monitor category performance, analyze key metrics, and provide actionable insights and recommendations.
• Ensure effective merchandising and in-store execution for assigned product categories.
• Stay abreast of competitive activity and industry trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Cross-functional teamwork

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, or related field

Tools

Nielsen

IRI

MS Office

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent and growing force within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to oversee a key product portfolio from their **Queenstown, Eastern Cape** office. This critical role involves managing the end-to-end lifecycle of assigned product categories, focusing on driving profitability, market share, and consumer engagement. You will be responsible for market analysis, product development, pricing strategies, promotional planning, and supplier management to ensure the success of your categories. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of category management principles, consumer insights, and the competitive FMCG landscape. This **Queenstown**-based position operates on a hybrid model, offering a flexible work environment. We are looking for a driven individual with strong analytical skills and a passion for building successful product lines in a fast-paced industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic category plans to achieve sales, market share, and profitability targets.
• Conduct in-depth market and consumer research to identify trends, opportunities, and unmet needs.
• Manage the product lifecycle, including new product development, product rationalization, and discontinuations.
• Develop and execute pricing and promotional strategies for assigned categories.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, negotiating terms and ensuring optimal product sourcing.
• Collaborate closely with sales, marketing, operations, and finance teams to ensure cohesive execution of category plans.
• Monitor category performance, analyze key metrics, and provide actionable insights and recommendations.
• Ensure effective merchandising and in-store execution for assigned product categories.
• Stay abreast of competitive activity and industry trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Category Management, Brand Management, or a related role within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing product categories.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Excellent understanding of market analysis, consumer behavior, and financial metrics.
• Proficiency in category management software, data analysis tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI), and MS Office Suite.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment and manage cross-functional teams.
• Deep knowledge of the South African FMCG market dynamics.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-related bonuses.
• Hybrid work arrangement providing a balanced work-life integration.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Exposure to diverse FMCG categories and strategic business decisions.
• A collaborative and analytical work environment.
• Chance to make a significant impact on product strategy and growth.