Category Manager - Beverages

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and annual bonus

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development

Dynamic and collaborative environment

Generous leave allowance

Product discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Category Manager to lead the beverages category in Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will analyze market trends and optimize assortment to grow sales, margin and market share across the beverage portfolio.

You will manage supplier relationships, collaborate with sales and marketing, and ensure stock availability through close coordination with supply chain. This role requires strategic thinking and strong communication.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in category/brand/product management within FMCG, beverages.
• Proven track record in strategies that grow sales and market share.
• Strong analytical skills to translate data into actionable plans.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and presentation skills.
• Bachelor's in Marketing or Business; MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive beverage category strategies for Vereeniging market.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, competitor performance and consumer insights.
• Optimize product assortment, pricing and promotions to maximize profit.
• Manage relationships with beverage suppliers and negotiate favorable terms.
• Collaborate with sales to execute in-store category plans and planograms.
• Partner with marketing on brand campaigns and promotions for beverages.
• Monitor inventory with supply chain to minimize stock-outs and maintain availability.
• Track category KPIs and report progress to senior management.

Skills

Category management

Beverage sector

Data analysis

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's in Marketing or Business

MBA (advantage)

Tools

Sales analytics tools

Category management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading powerhouse in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to oversee the beverage category for the Vereeniging, Gauteng market. This pivotal role involves analyzing market trends, developing category strategies, optimizing product assortments, and managing supplier relationships to drive category growth and profitability. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of consumer behavior, category management principles, and the dynamics of the beverage market within the FMCG landscape. You will be responsible for maximizing sales, margin, and market share for the beverage portfolio, working closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to achieve commercial objectives. This is a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for beverages, aligned with overall business goals in the Vereeniging, Gauteng market.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, competitor performance, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and threats.
• Optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies to maximize category performance and profitability.
• Manage relationships with beverage suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring alignment on strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with the sales team to drive in-store execution of category plans, including planogram development and promotional activities.
• Work with the marketing team to develop compelling brand and promotional campaigns for the beverage category.
• Monitor inventory levels and work with the supply chain team to ensure optimal stock availability and minimize stock-outs.
• Track category performance against KPIs and provide regular reports to senior management.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and new product introductions within the beverage category.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in category management, brand management, or product management, preferably within the FMCG sector, with a focus on beverages.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful category strategies that have driven sales growth and market share.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.
• Proficiency in category management software and sales analytics tools.
• A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field is required; an MBA is a plus.
• Knowledge of the retail and distribution landscape in the Vereeniging, Gauteng area is advantageous.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading FMCG company.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Generous leave allowance.
• Product discounts and other company perks.