Category Manager - Confectionery & Snacks

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus opportunities

Medical aid and retirement fund

Employee discount

Relocation assistance may be offered

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager for the Confectionery & Snacks category based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. You will shape assortments, pricing, promotions, and supplier relations to drive sales and profitability across the nation.

The role requires a minimum of 6 years in category management within FMCG, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 6+ years' category management experience in FMCG retail.
• Proven track record in growing a product category.
• Strong analytical, forecasting, and P&L management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a category strategy to drive sales and profitability.
• Analyze performance, trends, and market data to identify opportunities and risks.
• Manage product assortment to meet customer needs.
• Develop pricing and promotional strategies for the category.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and promotions with suppliers.
• Build strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Lead in-store merchandising and promotional plans.
• Monitor competitor activity and market dynamics.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations, and store teams for execution.
• Manage the category budget and P&L to achieve financial objectives.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Data analysis

P&L management

Forecasting

Supplier management

Merchandising

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Retail Management, or related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Retail data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading FMCG retailer, is seeking a strategic and data-driven Category Manager to oversee their Confectionery & Snacks category. This exciting role, based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, will be responsible for optimizing the category's performance, driving sales growth, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring a compelling product offering for customers. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of category management principles, consumer insights, and the FMCG market, particularly in the confectionery and snack segments. This is a significant opportunity to shape one of the key categories within a prominent retail environment. You will play a crucial role in product assortment, pricing strategies, promotional planning, and overall category profitability, directly influencing the shopping experience for consumers in Pietermaritzburg and across the nation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive category strategy to drive sales, profitability, and market share.
• Analyze category performance, consumer trends, and market data to identify opportunities and risks.
• Manage product assortment, ensuring a relevant and competitive range that meets customer needs.
• Develop and implement effective pricing and promotional strategies for the category.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and promotional support with suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers.
• Develop and execute effective in-store merchandising and promotional plans.
• Monitor competitor activities and market dynamics within the confectionery and snacks sector.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations, and store teams to ensure successful category execution.
• Manage the category budget and P&L to achieve financial objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management, preferably within FMCG retail or consumer goods.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing a product category.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis, P&L management, and forecasting.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management capabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of consumer insights and market trends in the confectionery and snacks segments.
• Strong understanding of retail operations and merchandising principles.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and retail data analysis tools.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and a results-oriented approach.
• Familiarity with the retail landscape in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly around Pietermaritzburg, is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and significant performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Opportunity to manage a key category within a leading retail environment.
• Influence product assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.
• Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous employee discount on store purchases.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.
• Work on a dynamic and evolving product portfolio in Pietermaritzburg.
• Regular exposure to senior management and strategic decision-making.