Category Manager - Beverages (FMCG)

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development

Innovative environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks a seasoned Category Manager to lead the beverage portfolio in a hybrid role. You will shape category strategy, analyze sales, manage supplier relationships, and drive growth through promotions and optimized assortment.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor's degree (master's preferred) with at least five years in FMCG category management, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the Western Cape retail landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field.
• Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years in category management in FMCG.
• Experience in beverages is a strong plus.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and financial acumen.
• Excellent understanding of the Western Cape retail environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and presentation software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies aligned with the company's business objectives and market trends.
• Analyze sales data, market share, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and optimize product assortment.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts to ensure competitive advantage and product availability.
• Plan and implement promotional activities, pricing strategies, and merchandising plans to drive category sales and profitability.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of category plans.
• Monitor category performance against targets and provide regular reports with actionable recommendations to senior management.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Analytical

Financial acumen

Market analysis

Supplier relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree advantageous

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an astute and experienced Category Manager to oversee their dynamic beverage portfolio. Based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape , this hybrid role offers the opportunity to strategically shape the future of a key product category. You will be responsible for driving category growth through insightful market analysis, effective product sourcing, promotional planning, and strong supplier relationships. This position requires a strategic thinker with a passion for understanding consumer trends and market dynamics within the South African beverage market , contributing significantly to the company's overall success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies aligned with the company's business objectives and market trends.
• Analyze sales data, market share, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and optimize product assortment.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts to ensure competitive advantage and product availability.
• Plan and implement promotional activities, pricing strategies, and merchandising plans to drive category sales and profitability.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of category plans.
• Monitor category performance against targets and provide regular reports with actionable recommendations to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; a Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management or a similar role within the FMCG industry , with specific experience in beverages being a strong plus.
• Proven ability to develop and implement successful category strategies that drive sales and profitability.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and financial acumen.
• Excellent understanding of the Western Cape retail environment and consumer purchasing behaviors.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and presentation software.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-driven incentives.
• Hybrid work model allowing for flexibility and work-life integration.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement in a leading FMCG company .
• Engaging work environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.