Category Manager

Ad Talent Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in industrial markets seeks a Category Manager to develop and execute strategic plans for consumer products. This role involves managing product development, pricing strategies, and collaborative efforts with R&D and marketing teams. Candidates should possess a degree in Marketing or Business and have 4-6 years of relevant experience. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential, along with an understanding of the DIY and retail sectors. The position offers a dynamic environment with opportunities for independent project management.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years in a marketing role, preferred experience in a multinational context.
• Strong English communication skills are essential.
• Knowledge of DIY, retail, or related consumer markets is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Define margin levels, retail pricing, and positioning.
• Lead product development (NPD) and innovation processes.
• Oversee packaging design and ensure branding consistency.
• Conduct competitive and market analysis; support trade execution.
• Collaborate with regions, exports, manufacturing, supply chain, and R&D.
• Develop a 5-year strategic category/channel plan and annual roll-out plan.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Strong communication

Project management

Analytical skills

Creativity

Education

Degree in Marketing, Business or related field

Job description

Who are we:

A global leader employing around 5,000 people across 50 countries and serving industrial manufacturing, construction and consumer markets.

Who are we looking for:

A Category Manager with product experience.

Role Overview:

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing a 5-year strategic plan and annual rollout for consumer product categories. The role focuses on global product management, innovation, pricing strategy, packaging and aligning with regional and global marketing teams. You’ll work closely with internal departments like R&D, Supply Chain and Manufacturing and support regional market development and performance tracking.

What will you do:

• Define margin levels, retail pricing and positioning
• Lead product development (NPD) and innovation processes
• Oversee packaging design and branding consistency
• Conduct competitive and market analysis; support trade execution
• Packaging / layout design
• Travel for research, meetings, events and customer visits
• Within the matrix, you will collaborate with regions, exports, manufacturing, supply chain, R&D and other BUs
• 5-year strategic category / channel plan
• Annual roll-out plan
• Turnover and GP/ MVC performance of the category
• Global category/channel marketing budget

What you need:

Qualifications & Experience:

• Degree in Marketing, Business or related field
• 4–6 years in a marketing role; multinational experience preferred
• Strong English communication skills
• Experience with market research (quantitative and qualitative)
• Knowledge of DIY, retail, or related consumer markets is beneficial

Personal Skills:

• Strategic thinker, strong communicator and team player
• Analytical with attention to detail
• Able to manage projects independently in a fast-paced environment
• Creative and commercially-minded