Category Manager - FMCG Beverages

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager to lead the beverage division in Queenstown. The role focuses on developing category strategies, optimizing assortment, pricing, and promotions with retailers to drive sales and share.

The candidate will analyze consumer trends, manage supplier relationships, and collaborate with sales and marketing to execute launches and promotions. A strong FMCG background and market insight are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or related field.
• At least 5 years in category management, product management, or senior buyer role in FMCG.
• Proven track record in developing category strategies and driving sales growth.
• Strong analytical skills with retail data analysis and forecasting.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management.
• Understanding of beverage market and consumer preferences desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement overarching category strategies for beverages, aligned with company objectives and market dynamics.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and potential risks.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate favorable terms, and ensure the efficient procurement of beverage products.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to develop and execute effective promotional plans and product launches.
• Optimize product assortment, shelf space, and pricing strategies within retail environments.
• Monitor category performance against KPIs and provide regular reports and recommendations to senior management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Education

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

Tools

Forecasting tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market, is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager to lead their beverage division in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This critical role involves developing and executing category strategies to drive sales, profitability, and market share for the beverage portfolio. You will be responsible for understanding consumer trends, managing supplier relationships, and working closely with retail partners to ensure optimal product assortment, pricing, and promotion, directly influencing the success of this key category.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement overarching category strategies for beverages, aligned with company objectives and market dynamics.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and potential risks.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate favorable terms, and ensure the efficient procurement of beverage products.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to develop and execute effective promotional plans and product launches.
• Optimize product assortment, shelf space, and pricing strategies within retail environments.
• Monitor category performance against KPIs and provide regular reports and recommendations to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, product management, or a senior buyer role, preferably within FMCG.
• Proven track record in developing successful category strategies and driving sales growth.
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in retail data analysis and forecasting.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of the beverage market and consumer preferences is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentive program.
• Comprehensive medical aid, pension fund, and other benefits.
• Generous leave allocation and opportunities for career advancement.
• Exposure to a wide range of leading beverage brands within a dynamic market.
• A key strategic role with significant impact in Queenstown and the broader region.