Category Manager - Confectionery & Snacks (FMCG)

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance-based incentives

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Career progression within leading FMCG

Exposure to diverse product lines

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a renowned FMCG company seeking a strategic Category Manager for the Confectionery & Snacks portfolio in Welkom, Free State. You will steer market analysis, product development, merchandising and promotional planning to drive profitable growth.

The role emphasizes consumer insights, strong commercial acumen, and cross-functional leadership within a dynamic FMCG environment, with hybrid work and relocation considerations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or related field is essential.
• 4-6 years in Category Management, Brand Management, or similar in FMCG.
• Proven ability to drive category growth and profitability.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret market data and consumer insights.
• Excellent understanding of retail dynamics, merchandising and promotions.
• Proficiency in category management software and MS Office Suite (Excel/PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for Confectionery & Snacks.
• Analyze market trends, consumer insights, and competitive benchmarks.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, and promotional plans for category profitability.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, R&D and Supply Chain to implement category plans.
• Build relationships with suppliers to optimize sourcing and partnerships.
• Monitor performance against sales, market share and profitability metrics.
• Identify opportunities for product innovation with R&D and marketing teams.
• Oversee in-store execution and merchandising for category engagement at point of purchase.
• Manage category budgets and allocate marketing spend.
• Stay updated on industry trends and competitive activity.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strong communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Marketing/Business)

Tools

MS Office Suite

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned name in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager to oversee their thriving Confectionery & Snacks portfolio. This role is based in Welkom, Free State , and presents a significant opportunity to shape product strategy, drive commercial success, and enhance brand presence in a competitive market. You will be responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of assigned product categories, from market analysis and consumer insights to product development, merchandising, and promotional planning. The ideal candidate will possess a keen understanding of consumer trends, strong commercial acumen, and a proven ability to deliver profitable growth. This position is ideal for a driven individual looking to make a substantial impact within the dynamic FMCG landscape. You will be joining a company with a strong presence in the Free State , contributing to the vibrant economy of Welkom .

Contribute to a well-established brand within the FMCG sector in the Free State .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies that align with overall business objectives and drive profitable growth for Confectionery & Snacks.


• Conduct in-depth market analysis, consumer research, and competitor benchmarking to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges.


• Manage product assortment, pricing strategies, and promotional plans to maximize category performance and profitability.


• Collaborate with internal teams, including Sales, Marketing, R&D, and Supply Chain, to ensure effective execution of category plans.


• Develop strong relationships with key suppliers and stakeholders to optimize product sourcing and partnerships.


• Monitor category performance against key metrics (sales, market share, profitability) and provide regular reports with actionable insights and recommendations.


• Identify opportunities for product innovation and development, working closely with the R&D and marketing teams.


• Ensure effective in-store execution and merchandising for assigned categories to drive consumer engagement at the point of purchase.


• Manage category budgets and ensure efficient allocation of marketing and promotional spend.


• Stay abreast of industry trends, new product introductions, and competitive activities within the confectionery and snack markets.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field is essential.


• A minimum of 4-6 years of experience in Category Management, Brand Management, or a similar role within the FMCG industry .


• Proven track record of driving category growth and profitability through strategic planning and execution.


• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data, consumer insights, and financial information.


• Excellent understanding of retail dynamics, merchandising principles, and promotional strategies.


• Proficiency in category management software and MS Office Suite (especially Excel and PowerPoint).


• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.


• Experience within the Confectionery and Snacks categories is a significant advantage.


• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Welkom, Free State , with flexibility for a hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.


• Performance-based incentives and bonuses.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.


• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within a leading FMCG organization.


• Exposure to diverse product lines and innovative market strategies.


• A supportive and dynamic team environment.