Bev FMCG Category Lead: Strategy, Growth & Trade

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Fuel card for business travel

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave entitlement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager for Bloemfontein to drive beverage category growth and profitability. You will craft and execute category strategies, work with sales, marketing, procurement and retail partners, and translate market insights into actionable plans that optimize assortment, pricing and promotions.

The role emphasizes strong analytical prowess, stakeholder management, and a proven track record in FMCG beverages, with SA market experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field.
• 6–8 years of category/brand management in FMCG beverages.
• Strong analytical skills with data interpretation ability.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Understanding of retail operations and trade marketing.
• Experience in the South African beverage market is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies to drive volume, market share and profit.
• Analyze category performance, market trends, consumer insights and competition.
• Collaborate with sales to craft effective sales plans and trade marketing.
• Coordinate with marketing on brand alignment, innovation and launches.
• Optimize assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies within the category.
• Manage relationships with key retail partners and present insights.
• Identify new business opportunities and category threats.
• Monitor category P&L and ensure financial targets are met.
• Oversee POS materials and merchandising plans.
• Stay informed on industry best practices in category management.

Skills

FMCG category management

Analytical skills

Retail operations knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication & presentation

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business Admin

MBA (bonus)

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager for Bloemfontein to drive beverage category growth and profitability. You will craft and execute category strategies, work with sales, marketing, procurement and retail partners, and translate market insights into actionable plans that optimize assortment, pricing and promotions.

The role emphasizes strong analytical prowess, stakeholder management, and a proven track record in FMCG beverages, with SA market experience preferred.