Category Manager

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

International training

Collaborative culture

Bonus potential

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a strategic Category Manager for a key FMCG product category from their Durban office. You will oversee assortment, pricing, promotions, and shelf space, collaborating with suppliers, sales, and marketing to maximize profitability.

The ideal candidate has at least 6 years in category management, merchandising, or brand management within FMCG, plus strong data analysis and negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related discipline.
• 6+ years in category management, merchandising or brand management in FMCG.
• Proven ability to analyze data and translate insights into strategies.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Excellent understanding of retail operations and FMCG distribution channels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales and profitability.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and shelf space with retailers.
• Analyze category performance, sales data and market insights for growth opportunities.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships to negotiate favorable terms.
• Collaborate with marketing to develop in-store and online promotions.
• Monitor competitor activities and market trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Skills

Category management

Data analysis

Negotiation

Relationship management

Retail operations

FMCG market knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Marketing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the FMCG industry, is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager to oversee a key product category from their Durban office. This role is crucial in driving category growth through effective product assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies. You will work closely with suppliers, the sales team, and marketing to maximize category performance and profitability. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for market trends, a strong understanding of consumer behaviour in the FMCG space, and the ability to build collaborative relationships. This hybrid role offers a balance between focused office-based strategy sessions and flexible remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales and profitability, focusing on the FMCG market.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and shelf space allocation in collaboration with retailers.
• Analyze category performance, sales data, and market insights to identify growth opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to negotiate favourable terms and ensure product availability.
• Collaborate with marketing to develop compelling in-store and online promotions.
• Monitor competitor activities and market trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management, merchandising, or brand management within the FMCG sector.
• Proven ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Excellent understanding of retail operations and the FMCG distribution channels.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with annual bonus potential.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for international training and exposure.
• A vibrant and collaborative team culture.