Category Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Waukee (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Discounts on company products

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a strategic Category Manager to lead an FMCG portfolio. You will analyze market trends, optimize product assortment, and drive profitability through data-driven category strategies.

Collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain to implement go-to-market plans, negotiate with suppliers, and monitor performance metrics to inform senior leadership. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in category management in FMCG, strong analytical flair, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics or related field; MBA is a plus.
• 5+ years in Category Management or FMCG.
• Proven ability to develop and execute category strategies for profitable growth.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with data analysis/forecasting.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for assigned FMCG categories in Paarl.
• Analyze market data, sales trends, and consumer insights to identify assortment opportunities.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, ensure pricing and product quality.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales to develop go-to-market plans and promotions.
• Monitor performance metrics and report actionable recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure optimal product availability and shelf presence in retail channels.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Category management

Negotiation

Communication

Retail dynamics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Economics

MBA (nice to have)

Tools

Data analysis tools

Forecasting tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading name in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager to lead their portfolio in Paarl, Western Cape. This position is vital for driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, and maximizing profitability by understanding market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics. You will work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to develop and execute category strategies that enhance brand performance and meet consumer demands. The ideal candidate possesses strong commercial acumen, excellent analytical skills, and a deep understanding of category management principles within the FMCG landscape, ready to drive impactful business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies that align with overall company objectives for the assigned FMCG categories in Paarl.
• Analyze market data, sales trends, and consumer insights to identify opportunities for assortment optimization, product innovation, and promotional activities.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and ensure competitive pricing and product quality.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop and execute effective go-to-market strategies and promotional plans.
• Monitor category performance against key metrics (sales, market share, profitability) and provide regular reports with actionable recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure optimal product availability and shelf presence within retail channels.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in Category Management or a similar role, with significant experience in the FMCG sector.
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful category strategies that drive profitable growth.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in data analysis and forecasting tools.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of retail dynamics and consumer purchasing behavior.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-driven bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and attendance at industry conferences.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment within a reputable FMCG organization.
• Generous employee discounts on company products.