Category Manager - Beverages

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration package

Bonuses

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Collaborative environment

Employee discounts

Job summary

Placements24, a leading FMCG partner, is seeking a strategic Category Manager to oversee the beverage portfolio from Benoni, Gauteng. You will shape category strategy, optimize assortment, and drive profitability across the beverage range.

The role requires 5+ years in category management within FMCG, strong data analysis, supplier negotiation, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in category management or FMCG beverages.
• Strong understanding of retail dynamics and consumer behaviour.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Analytical and strategic planning abilities.
• Effective communication and stakeholder influence.
• Hybrid work environment experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies to maximize profitability for the beverage segment.
• Analyze market data, sales trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and challenges within the Benoni market.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and ensure the availability of high-quality beverage products.
• Optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotional activities to drive sales and market share.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute effective brand and promotional campaigns for beverage products.
• Work closely with the sales force to provide them with the necessary tools and insights to effectively sell the beverage range.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with supply chain to ensure efficient stock management.
• Present category performance reviews and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Identify new product opportunities and manage the innovation pipeline for the beverage category.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Nielsen

IRI

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) landscape, is actively seeking a strategic and results-oriented Category Manager to oversee their beverage portfolio. This pivotal role is based in **Benoni, Gauteng**, and requires a seasoned professional with a keen eye for market trends and consumer preferences. You will be responsible for driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, and ensuring the commercial success of the beverage division. This position offers a unique chance to influence product strategy, develop innovative go-to-market plans, and collaborate with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. If you have a passion for the FMCG sector and a proven ability to manage complex categories, this is an excellent career move.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies that align with overall business objectives and maximize profitability for the beverage segment.
• Analyze market data, sales trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and challenges within the **Benoni** market.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and ensure the availability of high-quality beverage products.
• Optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotional activities to drive sales and market share.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute effective brand and promotional campaigns for beverage products.
• Work closely with the sales force to provide them with the necessary tools and insights to effectively sell the beverage range.
• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with supply chain to ensure efficient stock management.
• Present category performance reviews and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Identify new product opportunities and manage the innovation pipeline for the beverage category.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management or a similar role within the FMCG industry, with a focus on beverages.
• Strong understanding of retail dynamics, consumer behavior, and market analysis.
• Proven negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Excellent analytical and strategic planning abilities.
• Demonstrated success in driving category growth and profitability.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, capable of influencing stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI) and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively in a **hybrid** remote and office-based environment.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Medical aid and provident fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Employee discounts on a wide range of products.