Category Manager - Beverages

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary with performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Generous leave allowance

Learning and growth opportunities

Partial remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a category-focused leader to oversee the beverage portfolio in George. You will develop category strategies, analyze sales and consumer trends, and optimise assortment, pricing and promotions to drive growth and profitability in FMCG.

Collaborate with marketing, sales and operations, manage supplier relations and lead the category team. The role requires strong analytics, negotiation skills and deep knowledge of the Western Cape beverage market.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with overall business objectives and market opportunities.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth drivers and areas for improvement.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products.
• Optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotional activities to maximize sales and profitability.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure successful product launches and campaigns.
• Monitor category performance, track KPIs, and provide regular reports with actionable recommendations.
• Identify new product opportunities and conduct feasibility studies for potential introductions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards within the George area.
• Lead and mentor junior members of the category team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and strategic Category Manager to oversee their beverage portfolio within the George region. This role is crucial for driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, and maximizing profitability. The successful candidate will be responsible for understanding market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive activities to develop and execute effective category strategies. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the beverage category for a prominent FMCG company, working within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The position requires a keen eye for detail, strong analytical abilities, and a passion for the FMCG sector. You will be at the forefront of innovation and product development, ensuring our offerings meet the evolving needs of consumers in the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with overall business objectives and market opportunities.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth drivers and areas for improvement.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products.
• Optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotional activities to maximize sales and profitability.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure successful product launches and campaigns.
• Monitor category performance, track KPIs, and provide regular reports with actionable recommendations.
• Identify new product opportunities and conduct feasibility studies for potential introductions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards within the George area.
• Lead and mentor junior members of the category team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management or a similar role within the FMCG industry, with a focus on beverages.
• Proven track record of driving category growth and achieving financial targets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in data analysis tools.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the beverage market and consumer trends.
• Strong understanding of retail and trade marketing principles.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with the Western Cape market dynamics is a plus.
• Proficiency in SAP or similar ERP systems.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and performance bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous leave allowance.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
• Collaborative and inclusive company culture.
• Exposure to leading beverage brands within a major FMCG organization.
• Partial remote work flexibility, balancing office-based strategy with home-based work.