Category Manager - Beverages (FMCG)

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive incentives

Health & retirement benefits

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager to lead the beverage category within their FMCG portfolio in Port Elizabeth. The role focuses on driving category growth, profitability, and market share through assortment planning, supplier management, and promotional strategies.

You will leverage market insights, negotiate with key suppliers, and collaborate with sales and marketing to craft go-to-market plans while ensuring product availability and optimal in-store execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management or a related role within the FMCG industry, with a focus on beverages.
• Demonstrated success in driving category growth, profitability, and market share.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic category plans, including assortment optimization, pricing, and promotional strategies for the beverage category.
• Analyze category performance, market trends, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and potential risks.
• Manage relationships with key beverage suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to create effective go-to-market plans and in-store execution strategies.
• Monitor inventory levels and work with supply chain partners to ensure product availability and minimize out-of-stocks for FMCG beverages.
• Stay abreast of industry innovations, consumer preferences, and regulatory changes impacting the beverage sector.

Skills

Analytical

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing

MBA (advantageous)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager to lead the beverage category within their extensive FMCG portfolio in Port Elizabeth. This role is critical for driving category growth, profitability, and market share through effective assortment planning, supplier management, and promotional strategies. You will leverage deep market insights and consumer trends to optimize the beverage offering, ensuring it meets evolving consumer demands and achieves commercial objectives. This position requires a proactive leader with a keen understanding of the beverage market and a proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic category plans, including assortment optimization, pricing, and promotional strategies for the beverage category .
• Analyze category performance, market trends, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and potential risks.
• Manage relationships with key beverage suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to create effective go-to-market plans and in-store execution strategies.
• Monitor inventory levels and work with supply chain partners to ensure product availability and minimize out-of-stocks for FMCG beverages .
• Stay abreast of industry innovations, consumer preferences, and regulatory changes impacting the beverage sector.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management or a related role within the FMCG industry , with a focus on beverages.
• Demonstrated success in driving category growth, profitability, and market share.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Hybrid work arrangement allowing for flexibility.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the company.
• Engaging role in shaping the future of the beverage category in Port Elizabeth .