Category Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary and bonus potential

Comprehensive health, dental, vision,

Retirement benefits

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Category Manager to lead a key FMCG product category in Sandton. You will define category strategy, manage assortments, pricing, promotions and placement to grow sales and profitability.

You will build strong relationships with suppliers and retail partners, analyse market trends, and collaborate with marketing and sales to execute go-to-market plans while steering budgets and delivering targets in a competitive Gauteng market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field.
• MBA is a plus.
• Minimum 6 years in category management, brand management, or a similar role within FMCG.
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful category strategies.
• Strong analytical, financial, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent understanding of retail environments and consumer behavior.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies to drive sales growth and market share.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and placement strategies within the category.
• Analyze category performance, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and risks.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and retail partners.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop and execute effective go-to-market plans.
• Manage category budgets and ensure profitability targets are met.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Retail/FMCG knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business Administration or related field

MBA (optional)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to oversee and grow a key product category within their FMCG portfolio, based in Sandton . This role is responsible for defining category strategy, managing product assortments, driving sales performance, and enhancing profitability. You will work closely with suppliers, retail partners, and internal teams to identify market trends, consumer needs, and opportunities for innovation. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the FMCG market, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and a proven ability to manage a product category for sustained success in the competitive Gauteng landscape, making significant contributions to brand positioning and market share.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies to drive sales growth and market share.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and placement strategies within the category.
• Analyze category performance, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and risks.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and retail partners.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop and execute effective go-to-market plans.
• Manage category budgets and ensure profitability targets are met.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a similar role within the FMCG industry .
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful category strategies.
• Strong analytical, financial, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent understanding of retail environments and consumer behavior.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders in the Sandton area.

Benefits

• Competitive executive salary and bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
• Hybrid work model, offering flexibility between office and remote work.
• Generous professional development budget for training and conferences.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a significant product category for a leading FMCG company.