Category Manager - Beverages (FMCG)

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual performance bonus

Medical aid coverage

Retirement annuity plan

Product discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager for the Beverages category based in Rustenburg, North West. You will drive category growth, optimize assortment, and negotiate with suppliers to maximize profitability.

The role demands strong data analysis, market insight, and cross-functional collaboration with marketing, supply chain, and operations. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in FMCG category management, a relevant degree, and proven track record in retail execution and promotions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Category Management or a related FMCG role.
• Proven track record driving category growth and profitability.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools (Nielsen, IRI).
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Solid understanding of retail operations and merchandising principles.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and contract negotiations.
• Deep knowledge of the Beverages category within FMCG.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales and profitability.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage supplier relationships, including negotiations for pricing, promotions, and terms.
• Optimize product assortment, planograms, and in-store execution.
• Develop and implement effective promotional plans and pricing strategies.
• Monitor category performance against key metrics and prepare regular reports.
• Collaborate with marketing, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Stay abreast of competitor activities and industry best practices.
• Identify and champion new product introductions and category innovations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation

Category management

Supplier management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing/Business/Economics

Tools

Nielsen

IRI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking a strategic and data-driven Category Manager to oversee their Beverages category in Rustenburg, North West. This role is crucial for driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, and maximizing profitability through insightful analysis and effective supplier negotiations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of consumer trends, market dynamics, and the FMCG retail environment. You will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies that enhance market share and customer satisfaction. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a key product segment for our client, based in Rustenburg, North West.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales and profitability.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage supplier relationships, including negotiations for pricing, promotions, and terms.
• Optimize product assortment, planograms, and in-store execution.
• Develop and implement effective promotional plans and pricing strategies.
• Monitor category performance against key metrics and prepare regular reports.
• Collaborate with marketing, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Stay abreast of competitor activities and industry best practices.
• Identify and champion new product introductions and category innovations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Category Management or a related role within the FMCG sector.
• Proven track record of driving category growth and managing profitability.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI).
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Solid understanding of retail operations and merchandising principles.
• Experience in managing supplier relationships and contract negotiations.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Deep knowledge of the Beverages category within the FMCG market.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid coverage.
• Retirement annuity plan.
• Product discounts and company perks.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading FMCG company.