Category Development Manager

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based incentives

Health & retirement benefits

Professional development

Hybrid work in East London

Strategic exposure

Job summary

Placements24 in East London is seeking a strategic Category Development Manager to drive growth across key FMCG categories. You will analyze market data, identify consumer trends, and develop category plans that optimize assortment, placement, and promotions to boost sales.

You will collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment with brand strategies and to deliver data-driven insights for senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Statistics, or a related analytical field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management, brand management, or trade marketing within FMCG.
• Proven experience in analyzing complex data sets and translating insights into actionable category strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement data-driven category strategies to drive volume, market share, and profitability within assigned FMCG categories.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of sales data, consumer insights, and market trends to identify growth opportunities and challenges.
• Collaborate with the sales team to develop effective category plans, promotional programs, and merchandising strategies for retail partners.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, and placement within categories to maximize consumer appeal and sales performance.
• Work closely with marketing teams to support new product introductions and ensure alignment of category plans with brand strategies.
• Monitor competitor activities and category performance, providing regular reports and recommendations to senior management.

Skills

Category management

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Retail knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Statistics

Tools

Category management software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a strategic Category Development Manager to drive growth and innovation within key product categories for their FMCG business in East London . This role involves analyzing market data, identifying consumer trends, and developing category strategies that optimize product assortment, placement, and promotions. You will work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure effective category management and achieve business objectives. This is a pivotal role for someone looking to make a significant impact on the commercial success of leading FMCG brands.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement data-driven category strategies to drive volume, market share, and profitability within assigned FMCG categories.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of sales data, consumer insights, and market trends to identify growth opportunities and challenges.
• Collaborate with the sales team to develop effective category plans, promotional programs, and merchandising strategies for retail partners.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, and placement within categories to maximize consumer appeal and sales performance.
• Work closely with marketing teams to support new product introductions and ensure alignment of category plans with brand strategies.
• Monitor competitor activities and category performance, providing regular reports and recommendations to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Statistics, or a related analytical field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management, brand management, or trade marketing within the FMCG industry.
• Proven experience in analyzing complex data sets and translating insights into actionable category strategies.
• Strong understanding of retail dynamics, consumer behavior, and the FMCG market landscape.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Proficiency in category management software and data analysis tools.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A collaborative hybrid work environment in East London .
• Exposure to strategic decision-making for key FMCG categories.