Category Manager - Snacks & Confectionery

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager for the Snacks & Confectionery portfolio in Welkom, Free State. The role focuses on defining category strategy, driving brand performance, and optimizing placement and promotions in retail environments.

You will analyze data, forecast trends, and collaborate cross-functionally to maximize profitability and market share. The ideal candidate has 6+ years in FMCG category or brand management, strong data interpretation skills, and experience in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Economics or related field.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and drive actions.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience with P&L management and financial forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business goals.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth.
• Manage supplier relationships and procurement terms.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing and supply chain for promotions.
• Monitor KPIs and report actionable recommendations to senior management.
• Lead go-to-market strategy for category innovations and optimize planograms.
• Drive profitability and market share for the Snacks & Confectionery category.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business/Economics

Tools

Retail analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and influential entity within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking a strategic and commercially astute Category Manager to oversee their popular Snacks & Confectionery portfolio. This role, based in Welkom, Free State , is central to defining and executing the category strategy, driving brand performance, and ensuring optimal product placement and promotion within retail environments. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and the competitive landscape of the snacks and confectionery market. You will be responsible for maximizing category profitability and market share through insightful data analysis and effective cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies aligned with overall business objectives. Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and optimize product assortment. Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and ensure the effective procurement of products. Collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to execute promotional plans and drive in-store execution. Monitor category performance against KPIs and provide regular reports with actionable recommendations to senior management. Identify new product opportunities and lead the go-to-market strategy for category innovations. Ensure effective merchandising and planogram execution across various retail channels. Manage the category's P&L, focusing on revenue growth and margin improvement. Drive category profitability and market share within the Welkom region and beyond.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Economics, or a related field. Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a similar commercial role within the FMCG sector. Proven track record of successfully managing and growing a product category. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into strategic actions. Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Experience in P&L management and financial forecasting. Proficiency in retail data analysis tools and software. A solid understanding of the South African retail environment and consumer trends, particularly in Welkom, Free State . Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, collaborating with teams both in-office and remotely.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and performance-based bonuses. This position provides significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a leading FMCG organization. You will have the autonomy to shape category strategy and contribute to the success of a key segment in the South African market, working within a supportive hybrid structure in Welkom .