Category Manager - Confectionery & Snacks (FMCG)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Category Manager to oversee a Confectionery & Snacks portfolio in Welkom, Free State. You will drive category strategy, analyze market trends, and collaborate with Sales, Marketing, R&D, and Supply Chain to optimize assortment, pricing, and promotional plans.

The ideal candidate will have 4–6 years in FMCG Category Management, strong analytical and presentation skills, and the ability to work in a hybrid setup. Relocation to Welkom is supported.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
• 4–6 years of experience in Category Management or related FMCG roles.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret market data and financial information.
• Excellent understanding of retail dynamics, merchandising, and promotions.
• Willingness to relocate to Welkom or work hybrid.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive profitable growth for Confectionery & Snacks.
• Conduct market analysis, consumer insights, and benchmarking to identify trends and opportunities.
• Manage product assortment, pricing strategies, and promotional plans.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, R&D, and Supply Chain to execute category plans.
• Monitor category performance and provide actionable insights and recommendations.
• Identify opportunities for product innovation with R&D and Marketing.
• Ensure effective in-store execution and merchandising.
• Manage category budgets and allocate marketing spend efficiently.
• Stay updated on industry trends and competitive activities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Commercial acumen

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Presentation skills

Education

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

Tools

MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

Category management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned name in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager to oversee their thriving Confectionery & Snacks portfolio. This role is based in Welkom, Free State, and presents a significant opportunity to shape product strategy, drive commercial success, and enhance brand presence in a competitive market. You will be responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of assigned product categories, from market analysis and consumer insights to product development, merchandising, and promotional planning. The ideal candidate will possess a keen understanding of consumer trends, strong commercial acumen, and a proven ability to deliver profitable growth. This position is ideal for a driven individual looking to make a substantial impact within the dynamic FMCG landscape. You will be joining a company with a strong presence in the Free State, contributing to the vibrant economy of Welkom.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies that align with overall business objectives and drive profitable growth for Confectionery & Snacks.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis, consumer research, and competitor benchmarking to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges.
• Manage product assortment, pricing strategies, and promotional plans to maximize category performance and profitability.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including Sales, Marketing, R&D, and Supply Chain, to ensure effective execution of category plans.
• Develop strong relationships with key suppliers and stakeholders to optimize product sourcing and partnerships.
• Monitor category performance against key metrics (sales, market share, profitability) and provide regular reports with actionable insights and recommendations.
• Identify opportunities for product innovation and development, working closely with the R&D and marketing teams.
• Ensure effective in-store execution and merchandising for assigned categories to drive consumer engagement at the point of purchase.
• Manage category budgets and ensure efficient allocation of marketing and promotional spend.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, new product introductions, and competitive activities within the confectionery and snack markets.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field is essential.
• A minimum of 4-6 years of experience in Category Management, Brand Management, or a similar role within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of driving category growth and profitability through strategic planning and execution.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data, consumer insights, and financial information.
• Excellent understanding of retail dynamics, merchandising principles, and promotional strategies.
• Proficiency in category management software and MS Office Suite (especially Excel and PowerPoint).
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience within the Confectionery and Snacks categories is a significant advantage.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Welkom, Free State, with flexibility for a hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within a leading FMCG organization.
• Exposure to diverse product lines and innovative market strategies.
• A supportive and dynamic team environment.
• Contribute to a well-established brand within the FMCG sector in the Free State.