Category Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary competitiveness

Bonus potential

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay is seeking a strategic Category Manager for a key FMCG product category. You will develop category strategies, optimize assortments, and manage supplier relationships to drive profitable growth.

You will analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify opportunities, align with marketing and sales, and monitor performance against margins and market share.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in category/brand/product management in FMCG.
• Strong analytical skills to translate data into insights.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership.
• Experience managing product portfolios and supplier relationships.
• Deep understanding of FMCG retail and consumer behavior.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies including assortment, pricing and promotions.
• Analyze sales data, market trends and consumer insights for growth opportunities.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms and procurement.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales and operations to align plans.
• Monitor performance against sales, margin and market share; take corrective actions.
• Ensure optimal product availability and effective merchandising in Richards Bay.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Leadership

Category management

Supplier relationships

FMCG market understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing

MBA (bonus)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the FMCG sector, is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager to oversee a key product category in Richards Bay . This pivotal role involves developing and implementing category strategies that drive profitable growth, manage product assortments, and optimize supplier relationships. You will analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and performance data to make informed decisions that enhance category performance and competitive positioning. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced professional to take ownership of a significant part of the business, working within a company that champions data-driven decision-making and offers significant career progression opportunities in a thriving regional hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies, including assortment planning, pricing, and promotional activities for the FMCG portfolio.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and risks within the category.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of products.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations teams to align category plans with overall business objectives.
• Monitor category performance against key metrics (sales, margin, market share) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure optimal product availability and effective merchandising strategies within the Richards Bay market.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, brand management, or product management within the FMCG industry.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable insights.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proven experience in managing product portfolios and supplier relationships.
• Deep understanding of the FMCG retail environment and consumer behavior.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a significant product category.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement planning.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking organizational culture.