Category Manager - Confectionery & Snacks

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Career progression

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is sourcing a seasoned Category Manager to lead the Confectionery & Snacks category in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role focuses on driving growth, optimizing assortment, and maximizing profitability across retail channels.

The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of five years in category or related FMCG roles, with strong analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. A hybrid work setup is offered, with responsibilities spanning office and remote collaboration.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in category management or related role within the FMCG industry.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or Commerce; MBA is a plus.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis, market research, and financial modeling.
• Experience in the South African FMCG market, especially Confectionery & Snacks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic category plans to drive sales volume, market share, and profitability for Confectionery & Snacks.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, including competitor performance, consumer trends, and shopper insights.
• Optimize product assortment, pricing, promotions, and placement strategies for the category.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and negotiate favourable terms and contracts.
• Collaborate with the sales team to ensure effective execution of category plans at the retail level.
• Work closely with the marketing team to develop and launch new products and promotional campaigns.
• Monitor category performance against targets and KPIs, providing regular reports and actionable recommendations.
• Ensure alignment of category strategies with overall business goals and financial objectives.
• Identify new business opportunities and growth drivers within the category.
• Manage the category budget effectively, ensuring optimal return on investment.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Influencing

Data analysis

Market research

Financial modeling

Communication

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Marketing

Bachelor's degree in Commerce

MBA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the FMCG sector with a diverse portfolio, is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to lead their Confectionery & Snacks division in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This pivotal role demands a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer trends, and retail strategies within the FMCG landscape. The Category Manager will be responsible for driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, managing supplier relationships, and maximizing profitability. You will work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to develop and execute compelling category strategies that align with the company's overall objectives. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of key product lines within a leading FMCG organization. If you are a commercially astute individual with a passion for consumer goods, this role offers significant impact and career advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic category plans to drive sales volume, market share, and profitability for Confectionery & Snacks.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, including competitor performance, consumer trends, and shopper insights.
• Optimize product assortment, pricing, promotions, and placement strategies for the category.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and negotiate favourable terms and contracts.
• Collaborate with the sales team to ensure effective execution of category plans at the retail level.
• Work closely with the marketing team to develop and launch new products and promotional campaigns.
• Monitor category performance against targets and KPIs, providing regular reports and actionable recommendations.
• Ensure alignment of category strategies with overall business goals and financial objectives.
• Identify new business opportunities and growth drivers within the category.
• Manage the category budget effectively, ensuring optimal return on investment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field. MBA is a plus.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a related commercial role within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of driving category growth and achieving commercial objectives.
• Strong understanding of the South African FMCG market, particularly in the Confectionery & Snacks segment.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis, market research, and financial modeling.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to manage diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing office and remote responsibilities.
• Experience in the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region or similar retail environments is beneficial.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a performance-based bonus program, complemented by comprehensive medical aid and a provident fund.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including advanced category management training, leadership programs, and industry events, are provided.
• This role offers significant strategic responsibility and the chance to influence the direction of key FMCG categories.
• Generous annual leave and a supportive, collaborative work environment are standard.
• Our client is committed to employee growth and provides clear career progression paths within the organization.
• You will be part of a respected company known for its innovative approach to consumer goods.