Category Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Flexible scheduling

Professional development allowance

Competitive salary + annual bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic and experienced Category Manager to drive growth and profitability for key FMCG product categories in a remote-first setup. The role emphasizes developing category strategies that align with consumer needs and business objectives, including assortment, pricing, and promotions.

You will analyze sales data, trends, and competitor activity to identify opportunities, manage supplier relationships, and collaborate with marketing and sales on go-to-market plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• MBA is a plus.
• 5–7 years in category or brand management in FMCG.
• Strong analytical skills for data interpretation.
• Excellent negotiation and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies including assortment, pricing, and promotions.
• Analyze sales data, trends, and competitor activity to identify opportunities and risks.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate terms for cost, quality, and supply.
• Ensure optimal product placement and merchandising to maximize sales.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales on go-to-market plans for new products.
• Monitor performance against targets and report insights to leadership.

Skills

Category management

Data analysis

Negotiation

Communication skills

Remote work capability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/related field

MBA is a plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a strategic and experienced Category Manager to drive growth and profitability for key product categories within their FMCG business, operating remotely. This role is central to developing and implementing category strategies that align with consumer needs and business objectives. You will be responsible for product assortment, pricing, promotion, and supplier relationship management to maximize sales and market share. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to take ownership of a significant category portfolio and influence strategy in a dynamic, remote-first company.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies, including assortment planning, pricing, and promotional activities.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor performance to identify growth opportunities and risks.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers, negotiating terms to optimize cost, quality, and availability.
• Ensure optimal product placement and merchandising strategies to enhance shopper experience and drive sales.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop effective go-to-market plans for new products and promotions.
• Monitor category performance against financial targets and provide regular reports with actionable insights to leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• 5-7 years of experience in category management or brand management within the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful category strategies.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and excel in a remote work environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and annual bonus opportunities.
• Fully remote work arrangement offering maximum flexibility.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous allowance for professional development and continuous learning.
• An opportunity to shape category strategies for a leading FMCG brand.