Category Manager - Beverages

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and provident fund

Professional development opportunities

Remote-friendly role

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a strategic and analytical Category Manager for the beverage sector, based in Welkom. You will develop long-term category strategies, analyze sales data and consumer trends, and drive profitable growth across a diverse beverage portfolio.

Collaborating with suppliers, marketing, and internal teams, you will optimize assortment, negotiate terms, and implement promotional plans to boost market share while delivering exceptional consumer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in category management within FMCG, beverages focus.
• Proven ability to analyze complex data and translate insights into strategies.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in P&L and driving category profitability.
• Strong understanding of beverage market trends in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term category strategies aligned with company objectives and market trends.
• Analyze sales data, market insights, and consumer behavior to identify growth opportunities and optimize assortment.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and ensure competitive pricing and placements.
• Develop and execute promotional plans and in-store strategies to drive category sales and market share.
• Collaborate with marketing on product launches, campaigns, and consumer engagement initiatives.
• Monitor performance, report on key metrics, and adjust strategy to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Data analysis

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

P&L management

Beverage market knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing or related

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager specializing in the beverage sector for their operations in Welkom . This role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that drive profitable growth, enhance market positioning, and meet consumer demands for a diverse beverage portfolio. You will collaborate extensively with internal teams, suppliers, and key stakeholders to ensure category success. This is an ideal opportunity for a seasoned FMCG professional to lead and innovate within a critical product category in the Free State province.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term category strategies that align with overall company objectives and market trends.
• Analyze sales data, market insights, and consumer behavior to identify growth opportunities and optimize product assortment.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and ensure competitive pricing and favorable product placements.
• Develop and execute promotional plans and in-store strategies to drive category sales and market share.
• Collaborate with marketing teams on product launches, brand campaigns, and consumer engagement initiatives.
• Monitor category performance, report on key metrics, and recommend strategic adjustments to maximize profitability and consumer satisfaction.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management or a similar role within the FMCG industry , with a strong focus on beverages.
• Proven ability to analyze complex data sets and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated experience in P&L management and driving category profitability.
• Strong understanding of the South African beverage market and consumer trends.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Professional development opportunities and industry training.
• Chance to shape a key category for a prominent FMCG company .
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options.