Category Manager - Consumer Packaged Goods

Placements24; Vrystaat; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & retirement benefits

Hybrid work model

Career development

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape seeks an analytical Category Manager to drive growth across key FMCG categories. You will shape category strategies, manage assortments, optimize promotions, and partner with sales, marketing and supply chain. A data-driven mindset and strong negotiation skills are essential.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree and 3–5 years in category or brand management within FMCG, plus proficiency with Nielsen/IRI data and retail merchandising knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, or related field.
• 3–5 years in category management, brand management, or similar in FMCG.
• Ability to analyze complex data, derive insights, and develop strategic plans.
• Strong understanding of retail merchandising and consumer behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales, market share and profitability.
• Analyze performance, consumer behavior, and trends to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage product assortment, pricing and promotions for Upington-based categories.
• Collaborate with sales to execute category plans with retail partners.
• Work with marketing to develop in-store and online activation plans.
• Manage supplier relationships to optimise sourcing and profitability.
• Prepare and present category reviews and strategic recommendations.

Skills

Category management

Data analysis

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Retail merchandising

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics

Tools

Nielsen

IRI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent force in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking an analytical and strategic Category Manager to join their dynamic team. This role is based in **Upington, Northern Cape**, and will be responsible for driving the growth and profitability of specific product categories. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of consumer insights, market trends, and retail dynamics, coupled with strong analytical and commercial acumen. You will work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to develop category strategies, manage product assortments, and optimize promotional activities. We are committed to fostering a data-driven approach to category management and providing opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization. This is an excellent opportunity for a results-oriented individual to make a significant impact on our business in **Upington, Northern Cape**. The position requires a strategic thinker with excellent negotiation skills and a passion for the FMCG sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies to drive sales volume, market share, and profitability.
• Analyze category performance, consumer behaviour, and market trends to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, and promotional plans for assigned categories within **Upington, Northern Cape**.
• Collaborate with the sales team to ensure effective execution of category plans with key retail partners.
• Work with marketing to develop compelling in-store and online activation plans.
• Manage relationships with suppliers to optimize product sourcing and profitability.
• Monitor competitor activities and identify potential threats or opportunities.
• Prepare and present category reviews and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure alignment between category strategies and overall company objectives.
• Stay abreast of innovations and emerging trends within the FMCG category landscape.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a similar role within the FMCG industry.
• Proven ability to analyze complex data, derive actionable insights, and develop strategic plans.
• Strong understanding of retail merchandising, category management principles, and consumer behaviour.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and software (e.g., Nielsen, IRI).
• Experience in managing product portfolios and promotional calendars.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong commercial acumen and a results-oriented mindset.
• Knowledge of the **Upington, Northern Cape** retail market is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and further training.
• Generous annual leave policy.
• Employee discounts on company products.
• A stimulating work environment in **Upington, Northern Cape**.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Potential for career growth within a leading FMCG organization.
• Supportive team culture focused on category success.
• Chance to shape product strategies for key FMCG categories.