Category Manager

HEINEKEN Beverages; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage company in Stellenbosch seeks a Procurement Excellence Category Manager. You will lead the procurement strategy, ensuring cost competitiveness and supply continuity across local and global categories. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience in procurement within the FMCG sector, with significant expertise in contract negotiations and analytics. This permanent position offers the chance to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on sustainability and inclusion.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain.
• Minimum of 5 years in purchasing and contract negotiations in FMCG.
• Solid understanding of Category Management and marketing principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute category strategy for Procurement Excellence.
• Negotiate contracts to maximize value and ensure supply continuity.
• Analyze markets to identify risks and opportunities.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical mind

Communication skills

Strategic ability

Education

Master's degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

We Go Places! How about you?

Immediate Superior: Procurement Hub Manager

Location: Stellenbosch

Function: Supply Chain

Sub Function: Procurement

Type of Contract: Permanent

Reference Number: 149183

Closing Date: 12/01/2026

Purpose Of The Job

To lead, plan, and execute the global, regional and local category strategy for the Procurement Excellence priorities & programs. The Category Manager acts as a strategic sourcing business partner to internal OpCo stakeholders and serves as the interface to Heineken Global and local Procurement teams. The role ensures supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and alignment with Heineken’s sustainability ambitions by translating global procurement strategy into actionable regional and local category plans/initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate the company’s procurement strategy into actionable category plans, including Procurement Excellence priorities & programs.
• Lead the development and execution of local, regional and global categories in alignment with Heineken Global, Regional and local OpCo Procurement.
• Participate actively in the global category community to share insights and align strategic goals.
• Negotiate contracts and commercial terms to maximize value and ensure continuity of supply.
• Analyze external markets and demand patterns to identify risks and opportunities.
• Implement sourcing strategies and tender processes that drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, including Source-to-Contract and Source-to-Pay processes.
• Support reporting and performance tracking through relevant HGP tool and platforms.

Job Requirements: Education and Experience

• University level / master’s degree preferred
• 7+ years of experience.
• A minimum of 5 years with progressive responsibility in purchasing, project management, contract and vendor negotiations in an FMCG environment.
• Solid knowledge of Category Management, marketing and sales principles.
• Understanding of data analysis and forecasting methods.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• An analytical mind with a strategic ability.
• Excellent communication and people skills.

The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply. Heineken Beverages (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd) is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates and values inclusion and diversity. You must be fully eligible to live and work in South Africa to apply.