Category Manager - FMCG Beverages

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonuses

Health and dental insurance

Retirement savings plan

Growth and career advancement

Collaborative, innovative environment

Bev brands portfolio exposure

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a strategic Category Manager for Beverages in Benoni, Gauteng. You will craft category strategies, drive growth, manage pricing and promotions, and collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain to execute plans.

You will build strong retailer partnerships, lead new product launches, and steer P&L outcomes while staying ahead of beverage market trends and brand alignment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' category management, brand management, or strategic marketing in FMCG.
• Proven success in developing category strategies with growth and share gains.
• Strong analytical skills with market data analysis (Nielsen, IRI).
• Excellent understanding of SA retail and FMCG, especially beverages.
• Strong negotiation, presentation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience managing P&Ls and driving commercial outcomes.
• Must reside in or relocate to Benoni area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for beverage portfolio in Benoni.
• Analyze market data, consumer trends and competitor activities for growth.
• Define and manage product assortment, pricing and promotions.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, supply chain, and finance for execution.
• Build relationships with retail partners and drive joint plans.
• Lead new product development within the beverage category.
• Monitor performance metrics and report to senior management.
• Align initiatives with brand strategies and company values.
• Stay ahead of beverage industry innovations and trends.

Skills

Category management

FMCG

Analytical skills

Retailer relationships

P&L management

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business/Commerce

Tools

Nielsen

IRI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking a strategic and data-driven Category Manager specializing in Beverages for their operations based in Benoni, Gauteng, ZA . This vital role involves developing and executing category strategies that drive profitable growth, enhance market share, and strengthen brand positioning within the competitive beverage market. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of consumer insights, market trends, category dynamics, and retailer relationships within the FMCG sector. You will be responsible for assortment planning, pricing strategies, promotional activities, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of a significant category for a leading FMCG player in the bustling Gauteng region. We are looking for a commercially astute individual with a passion for the beverage market in Benoni .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for the beverage portfolio in Benoni, Gauteng , aligning with overall business objectives.
• Analyze market data, consumer trends, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and category insights.
• Define and manage product assortment, pricing strategies, and promotional plans to maximize category performance and profitability.
• Collaborate closely with sales, marketing, supply chain, and finance teams to ensure effective execution of category plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key retail partners, providing category insights and driving joint business plans.
• Manage the category P&L, focusing on revenue growth, margin enhancement, and cost optimization.
• Lead new product development initiatives and launches within the beverage category.
• Monitor category performance metrics and provide regular reporting and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure alignment with brand strategies and company values across all category initiatives.
• Stay ahead of industry innovations and evolving consumer preferences in the beverage sector.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, brand management, or strategic marketing within the FMCG sector .
• Proven success in developing and executing category strategies that have delivered significant growth and market share.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in market data analysis (e.g., Nielsen, IRI).
• Excellent understanding of the South African retail and FMCG landscape, particularly the beverage category.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience managing P&Ls and driving commercial outcomes.
• Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Benoni area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company contribution.
• Opportunities for significant professional growth and career advancement.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment focused on innovation.
• Involvement with a dynamic and growing portfolio of beverage brands.