Category Manager - Confectionery

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid role

Professional development

Wellness programs

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Category Manager in the Confectionery segment for a hybrid role based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will shape category strategies, collaborate with marketing, sales, and supply chain, and drive sales and profitability.

The ideal candidate brings Cloud-level confectionery expertise, strong analytics, and a proven track record in FMCG category growth. The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and strategic decision making in a dynamic market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 6 years in category/brand management within FMCG, with confectionery experience.
• Proven track record in driving category growth and achieving commercial objectives.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent understanding of retail operations, merchandising, and promo planning.
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management.
• Willingness to commute to Mossel Bay in a hybrid setup.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies including assortment, pricing, promotions, and placement for confectionery.
• Conduct market analysis, consumer research, and competitor benchmarking.
• Manage category P&L and meet financial targets.
• Collaborate with sales to translate strategies into retail plans.
• Work with marketing to develop brand positioning and campaigns.
• Coordinate with supply chain for inventory and distribution.
• Negotiate with key suppliers for terms and sourcing.
• Report on category performance and provide strategic recommendations.
• Identify new product development opportunities in confectionery.

Skills

Category management

FMCG experience

Confectionery knowledge

Analytical skills

Excel

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager specializing in the Confectionery segment. This is a hybrid role, based in the beautiful coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , offering a dynamic work environment that blends office-based collaboration with remote flexibility. You will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies that drive sales, profitability, and market share growth. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the FMCG confectionery market, strong analytical skills, and a proven track record of successful category management. This role requires you to work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and supply chain, to ensure alignment and successful execution of category plans. You will be at the forefront of shaping the future of our client's confectionery offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies, including product assortment, pricing, promotions, and placement, to maximize sales and profitability within the confectionery category.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, consumer research, and competitor benchmarking to identify trends, opportunities, and threats.
• Manage category P&L, ensuring financial targets are met or exceeded.
• Collaborate with the sales team to translate category strategies into effective retail execution plans.
• Work closely with the marketing team to develop compelling brand positioning and promotional campaigns for confectionery products.
• Liaise with the supply chain team to ensure optimal inventory levels and efficient product distribution.
• Develop strong relationships with key suppliers and manage negotiations for optimal terms and product sourcing.
• Monitor category performance against key metrics and provide regular reports and recommendations to senior management.
• Identify new product development opportunities within the confectionery space.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a related role within the FMCG industry , with specific experience in confectionery.
• Proven track record of driving category growth and achieving commercial objectives.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent understanding of retail operations, merchandising, and promotional planning.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and MS Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively in a hybrid work environment.
• Resides in or is willing to commute to Mossel Bay, Western Cape.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including performance-based incentives. This hybrid role provides a structured approach to work, balancing office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading FMCG organization are provided. You will be part of a dynamic and supportive team environment, working on exciting brands within a thriving sector. Experience the benefits of living and working in a beautiful location while making a significant impact on business success. Enjoy access to wellness programs and a positive company culture.