Category Manager - Beverages

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Generous annual leave

Employee discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Category Manager to oversee the beverage portfolio in Klerksdorp, North West. You will drive category growth, optimize product assortment, and maximize profitability within beverages, collaborating with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams.

The role requires a minimum of six years in FMCG category management with beverages, and a strong ability to analyze trends and consumer behavior. A strong system for merchandising and pricing is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in category management or brand management within FMCG, beverages focus.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills; interpret complex data.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies to drive beverage sales and profitability.
• Analyze performance, trends, and competitor activity to identify opportunities and threats.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and planogram execution.
• Collaborate with marketing to develop brand and promotion plans within the category.
• Work with supply chain to ensure optimal inventory and product availability.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Category management software

Analytical tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is looking for an experienced and strategic Category Manager to oversee their beverage portfolio in Klerksdorp, North West . This role is integral to driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, and maximizing profitability within the beverage segment. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of consumer trends, market dynamics, and category management principles specific to the beverage market. You will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive category strategies, including product innovation, pricing, promotion, and merchandising. This is a hands-on role requiring close collaboration with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure successful category performance. The position is based at our client's facility in Klerksdorp, North West , offering a stable and impactful career opportunity within a leading organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies to drive sales, market share, and profitability for the beverage category.
• Analyze category performance, market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and planogram execution to optimize sales and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute effective brand and promotional plans within the category.
• Work closely with the supply chain and operations teams to ensure optimal inventory levels and product availability.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive category growth initiatives.
• Identify and evaluate new product opportunities and manage the innovation pipeline for the beverage category.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide actionable insights and recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure effective execution of merchandising strategies at the retail level.
• Stay current with industry best practices and emerging trends in the beverage and FMCG sectors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management or brand management within the FMCG sector, with a focus on beverages.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing a product category.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Excellent understanding of retail merchandising, pricing strategies, and promotional planning.
• Proficiency in category management software and analytical tools.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• A passion for the beverage industry and a keen understanding of consumer preferences.
• Results-oriented and capable of working effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based annual bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Employee discounts on a wide range of company products.
• Be part of a reputable and stable FMCG organization.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment.