Category Manager - Beverages

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 appointed as the client company for a senior Category Manager position overseeing the beverage portfolio in Rustenburg, North West. The role focuses on strategy, performance analysis, pricing, and promotional planning to grow market share and profitability.

The successful candidate will have 5+ years in FMCG category or brand management, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and be ready to work cross-functionally with sales, marketing and supply chain teams.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field.
• An MBA or postgraduate degree is a plus.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Category Management, Brand Management, or related roles within the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing a product category, with beverages experience desirable.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and financial acumen.
• Excellent understanding of retail operations, category management principles, and promotional planning.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for the beverage portfolio to drive sales and profitability.
• Analyze category performance, market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activity.
• Manage product assortment and shelf placement to meet consumer needs.
• Develop pricing and promotional strategies to enhance competitiveness.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, supply chain, and procurement for plan execution.
• Build relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive opportunities.
• Monitor inventory with supply chain to ensure stock availability and minimize waste.
• Present category performance reviews and new product proposals to senior management.
• Stay updated on beverage and FMCG industry trends.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Marketing/Commerce

MBA or postgraduate degree (advantage)

Tools

MS Office Suite

Excel

Category management software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to oversee their diverse beverage portfolio. This critical role, based in Rustenburg, North West , involves developing and executing category strategies that drive profitable growth, enhance market share, and meet evolving consumer demands. You will be responsible for category performance analysis, assortment planning, pricing strategies, and promotional activities for all beverage brands. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the FMCG retail environment, exceptional analytical skills, and a proven ability to manage a product category effectively. This is a significant opportunity to shape the future of our client's beverage offerings and advance your career in a leading FMCG organization. We are dedicated to empowering our teams and fostering strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for the beverage portfolio to drive sales, volume, and profitability within the Rustenburg market and broader regions.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of category performance, market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities.
• Manage product assortment, ensuring alignment with consumer needs and strategic goals, while optimizing shelf space and placement.
• Develop and implement effective pricing and promotional strategies to enhance competitiveness and drive demand.
• Collaborate closely with sales, marketing, supply chain, and procurement teams to ensure seamless execution of category plans.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to identify new product opportunities and drive innovation.
• Monitor inventory levels and work with supply chain to ensure optimal stock availability and minimize waste.
• Present category performance reviews, strategic plans, and new product proposals to senior management and relevant stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in the beverage and FMCG categories.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field.
• An MBA or postgraduate degree is a plus.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Category Management, Brand Management, or related roles within the FMCG sector .
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing a product category, with specific experience in beverages being highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and financial acumen.
• Excellent understanding of retail operations, category management principles, and promotional planning.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis, and experience with category management software.
• Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Residency or willingness to relocate to Rustenburg, North West .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development within a leading FMCG company.
• The chance to shape the strategic direction of popular beverage brands.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment in Rustenburg .