Category Manager - Beverages

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Training opportunities

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager specializing in Beverages to drive the growth and profitability of the beverage portfolio in Midrand, Gauteng. You will shape category strategies, analyze trends, and influence cross-functional teams across sales, marketing, and supply chain.

The role requires a strong commercial acumen, deep beverage market knowledge, and a proven ability to negotiate with suppliers to optimize assortment and pricing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field; Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a similar strategic role within the FMCG sector, with a focus on beverages.
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful category strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent understanding of the South African beverage market and consumer trends.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and retail/category management software.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities.
• Experience working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment like Midrand.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies that drive sales, market share, and profitability for the beverage portfolio.
• Conduct comprehensive market analysis, including consumer behavior, competitor activities, and industry trends.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and placement to maximize category performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key beverage suppliers and negotiate favorable terms.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to develop and execute effective go-to-market plans.
• Monitor category performance metrics, analyze sales data, and identify key insights and action plans.
• Ensure effective inventory management and supply chain coordination for the beverage category.
• Present category insights and strategic recommendations to senior management.

Skills

Category management

Beverages expertise

Data analysis

Negotiation

Collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Economics

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

Category management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is actively seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager specializing in Beverages to join their innovative team in Midrand, Gauteng . This role is critical in driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, and enhancing the profitability of their beverage portfolio. You will be responsible for understanding consumer trends, managing supplier relationships, and developing compelling category strategies that align with market demands and our client's business objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong commercial acumen, deep knowledge of the beverage market, and a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and supply chain. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a key product category for a respected FMCG player in the bustling Midrand region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies that drive sales, market share, and profitability for the beverage portfolio.
• Conduct comprehensive market analysis, including consumer behavior, competitor activities, and industry trends.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and placement to maximize category performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key beverage suppliers and negotiate favorable terms.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to develop and execute effective go-to-market plans.
• Monitor category performance metrics, analyze sales data, and identify key insights and action plans.
• Ensure effective inventory management and supply chain coordination for the beverage category.
• Present category insights and strategic recommendations to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field; Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a similar strategic role within the FMCG sector, with a focus on beverages.
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful category strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent understanding of the South African beverage market and consumer trends.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and retail/category management software.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities.
• Experience working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment like Midrand .
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-related bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Opportunities for international and local training and development.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• A stimulating work environment with opportunities for innovation.
• Employee discounts on company products.
• Proximity to major transport hubs in Midrand .