FMCG Category Manager

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager for its FMCG client in Upington, Northern Cape. The role focuses on growing category profitability, optimizing assortment, and leveraging market insights to drive sales.

You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to execute effective category plans in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years in Category Management or Brand Management, preferably FMCG.
• Proven ability to analyze sales data, market insights, and financial performance.
• Strong negotiation skills and supplier management experience.
• Excellent understanding of retail dynamics, merchandising, and promotions.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, including Excel and category management software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic category plans to drive sales volume, market share, and profitability.
• Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities and threats.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and shelf space to optimize performance.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, negotiating terms and promotional support.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to align on strategies and execution.
• Monitor category performance against KPIs and provide reports to senior management.
• Identify new product opportunities and manage lifecycle within the category.
• Ensure effective inventory management and stock availability.
• Develop and execute promotional plans to drive demand and retailer engagement.
• Stay updated on industry trends to maintain competitive edge.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Excel

Category mgmt software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is looking for a strategic and analytically skilled Category Manager to join their vibrant commercial team in **Upington, Northern Cape**. This role is fundamental in driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, and enhancing profitability for assigned product categories. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the FMCG market, strong analytical capabilities, and a proven ability to develop and execute effective category strategies. You will be responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating terms, and analyzing market data to make informed decisions that boost sales and customer satisfaction. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a tangible impact on the success of our client's product offerings within the **Northern Cape** region and contribute to their ongoing expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic category plans to drive sales volume, market share, and profitability for assigned FMCG categories.
• Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities and threats within the category.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and shelf space allocation to optimize category performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms, pricing, and promotional support.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, and Operations teams to ensure alignment on category strategies and execution.
• Monitor category performance against KPIs, providing regular reports and insights to senior management.
• Identify new product opportunities and manage the product lifecycle within the category.
• Ensure effective inventory management and stock availability for all products within the assigned categories.
• Develop and execute compelling promotional plans to drive consumer demand and retailer engagement.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in Category Management or Brand Management, preferably within the FMCG sector.
• Proven ability to analyze sales data, market insights, and financial performance to drive category growth.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in managing supplier relationships.
• Excellent understanding of retail dynamics, merchandising, and promotional strategies.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, including Excel and category management software.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Based in or willing to commute to **Upington, Northern Cape**.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided.
• This hybrid role offers flexibility and opportunities for professional development within a leading FMCG organization.
• You will join a collaborative team and contribute to the strategic direction of key product categories in the Northern Cape.
• This role provides a stable and rewarding career path for individuals passionate about the FMCG industry in Upington.