Category Manager - Consumer Packaged Goods

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Annual leave

Employee discounts

Hybrid work model

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager for the FMCG sector based in Upington, Northern Cape. You will develop category strategies, optimize assortments, and drive promotions in collaboration with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams.

You will analyze consumer insights, track performance, and negotiate with suppliers to improve profitability while aligning with overall business objectives. This role offers hybrid work flexibility and growth opportunities within a leading FMCG

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, or related field.
• 3-5 years in category management, brand management, or similar FMCG role.
• Ability to analyze data, derive insights, and craft strategic plans.
• Strong understanding of retail merchandising and consumer behavior.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales, market share and profitability.
• Analyze performance, consumer behavior, and trends to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage assortment, pricing, and promotional plans for assigned categories.
• Collaborate with sales to ensure effective execution with key retailers.
• Work with marketing to create in-store and online activation plans.
• Manage supplier relationships to optimize sourcing and profitability.
• Monitor competitors and identify threats or opportunities.
• Present category reviews and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Align category strategies with overall company objectives.

Skills

Category management

Data analysis

Negotiation

Retail merchandising

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing or Business

Tools

Nielsen

IRI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent force in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking an analytical and strategic Category Manager to join their dynamic team. This role is based in Upington, Northern Cape, and will be responsible for driving the growth and profitability of specific product categories. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of consumer insights, market trends, and retail dynamics, coupled with strong analytical and commercial acumen. You will work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to develop category strategies, manage product assortments, and optimize promotional activities. We are committed to fostering a data-driven approach to category management and providing opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization. This is an excellent opportunity for a results-oriented individual to make a significant impact on our business in Upington, Northern Cape. The position requires a strategic thinker with excellent negotiation skills and a passion for the FMCG sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies to drive sales volume, market share, and profitability.
• Analyze category performance, consumer behaviour, and market trends to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, and promotional plans for assigned categories within Upington, Northern Cape.
• Collaborate with the sales team to ensure effective execution of category plans with key retail partners.
• Work with marketing to develop compelling in-store and online activation plans.
• Manage relationships with suppliers to optimize product sourcing and profitability.
• Monitor competitor activities and identify potential threats or opportunities.
• Prepare and present category reviews and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure alignment between category strategies and overall company objectives.
• Stay abreast of innovations and emerging trends within the FMCG category landscape.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a similar role within the FMCG industry.
• Proven ability to analyze complex data, derive actionable insights, and develop strategic plans.
• Strong understanding of retail merchandising, category management principles, and consumer behaviour.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and software (e.g., Nielsen, IRI).
• Experience in managing product portfolios and promotional calendars.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong commercial acumen and a results-oriented mindset.
• Knowledge of the Upington, Northern Cape retail market is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and further training.
• Generous annual leave policy.
• Employee discounts on company products.
• A stimulating work environment in Upington, Northern Cape.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Potential for career growth within a leading FMCG organization.
• Supportive team culture focused on category success.
• Chance to shape product strategies for key FMCG categories.