Category Manager

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive salary

Health and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager for the Polokwane region to lead category development in an FMCG portfolio. The role blends in-office strategic planning with market engagement to drive growth, pricing, and promotion strategies across retail partners.

You will collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to translate consumer insights into actionable plans, strengthening market share and customer loyalty in a dynamic retail environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or related field.
• 5+ years in category/brand/retail management, preferably FMCG.
• Ability to analyze complex data and translate to strategic actions.
• Strong understanding of retail dynamics and consumer trends.
• Hybrid work experience in Polokwane area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive profitable growth.
• Analyze market data, sales, and consumer insights to reveal opportunities.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, and promotional planning.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams on sourcing and inventory.
• Build relationships with retail partners to boost category performance.
• Monitor competitor activities and industry trends to stay competitive.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation

Hybrid work experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or related field

Job description

Our client is looking for a strategic and analytical Category Manager to lead category development for their FMCG portfolio in the Polokwane region. This hybrid role combines in-office strategic planning with market engagement, focusing on driving category growth and profitability through insightful product assortment, pricing, and promotion strategies. You will work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to understand consumer needs and market trends, translating these into actionable plans that enhance market share and customer loyalty. The ideal candidate is a sharp business mind with a passion for the consumer goods sector and a proven ability to influence strategy in a dynamic retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies that align with overall business objectives and drive profitable growth.
• Analyze market data, sales performance, and consumer insights to identify category opportunities and threats.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, and promotional planning for assigned categories.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to optimize product sourcing and inventory management.
• Build strong relationships with retail partners to drive category performance and visibility.
• Monitor competitor activities and industry trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in category management, brand management, or retail management, preferably within FMCG .
• Proven ability to analyze complex data sets and translate them into strategic actions.
• Strong understanding of retail dynamics, consumer behavior, and market trends.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience working within a hybrid work model in the Polokwane area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and collaboration.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Professional development opportunities and potential for regional leadership.
• Direct impact on the strategic direction of key FMCG categories.