Category Manager - Dairy & Plant-Based (FMCG)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking a dynamic Category Manager to lead the Dairy & Plant-Based division. You will develop category strategies, analyze market trends, and manage P&L to drive sales, market share, and profitability.

Collaboration with marketing, sales, and supply chain will be crucial for product innovation, pricing, and in-store execution. The role requires a strong background in FMCG category management, with experience in dairy or plant-based segments and a proven track record

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• 6+ years in category or brand management in FMCG.
• Experience in Dairy or Plant-Based segments in Pretoria/Gauteng.
• Strong analytical, P&L, and retail merchandising knowledge.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for Dairy & Plant-Based lines.
• Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activity.
• Manage P&L for the category and target sales, profit, market share.
• Collaborate with marketing on product development and lifecycle.
• Develop pricing and promotions with sales and marketing.
• Work with sales on distribution and in-store execution.
• Build relationships with key retail partners.
• Oversee sourcing and procurement within the category.
• Monitor KPIs and report to senior management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Cross-functional teamwork

Data analysis

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing/Business Administration

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a dynamic and strategic Category Manager to lead its rapidly growing Dairy & Plant-Based products division. This exciting opportunity is based in Pretoria, Gauteng . The Category Manager will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that drive sales, market share, and profitability for a diverse range of dairy and plant-based food and beverage items. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of consumer trends, market dynamics, and category management principles within the FMCG environment. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and supply chain, to ensure product innovation, effective merchandising, and successful promotional campaigns. Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of dietary trends.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies that align with company objectives and market opportunities for Dairy & Plant-Based products.
• Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities to identify growth drivers and areas for improvement.
• Manage the P&L for the assigned category, setting and achieving sales, profit, and market share targets.
• Collaborate with the marketing team on product innovation, new product development, and lifecycle management.
• Develop and execute effective pricing and promotional strategies in conjunction with the sales and marketing departments.
• Work with the sales team to ensure optimal product distribution, shelf placement, and in-store execution.
• Build strong relationships with key retail partners, understanding their needs and collaborating on category growth initiatives.
• Oversee the sourcing and procurement of products within the category, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor category performance against KPIs, providing regular reports and actionable recommendations to senior management.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends in plant-based and dairy alternatives, identifying opportunities for portfolio expansion.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• An MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in category management or brand management within the FMCG industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing and growing categories, particularly in the Dairy or Plant-Based segments, within the Pretoria or broader Gauteng market.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis, market research, and P&L management.
• Excellent understanding of retail dynamics, merchandising, and promotional planning.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans that drive commercial success.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Passion for food trends, particularly in health and wellness and alternative dairy products.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive compensation package including a generous base salary and performance-based bonuses. Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits are provided. The company invests in employee development through various training programs and offers clear pathways for career advancement. You will be part of an innovative and supportive work culture, contributing to exciting product developments in a dynamic market. This role provides the opportunity to shape a key category for a leading FMCG player in the Gauteng region.