Category Manager - FMCG Beverages

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Bonuses

Flexible hours

Job summary

Our client, a distinguished leader in the FMCG sector, seeks an experienced Category Manager to oversee a beverage portfolio in a remote-first role across South Africa. You will drive strategy, market analysis, and cross-functional collaboration with marketing, sales, and supply chain.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in category/brand management within FMCG beverages, with strong analytical and negotiation skills. Remote work flexibility and performance-based rewards are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a related role within FMCG, beverages focus.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful category strategies with measurable results.
• Strong analytical skills with data analysis, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• Excellent understanding of the South African beverage market and consumer insights.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies to drive sales, market share, and profitability for the beverage portfolio.
• Conduct in-depth market, consumer, and competitor analysis to identify key trends and opportunities.
• Manage the product lifecycle, including new product development, portfolio optimization, and discontinuation of underperforming items.
• Collaborate with marketing on brand strategy, pricing, promotion, and product innovation.
• Work with sales and supply chain to ensure product availability and inventory efficiency.
• Develop and present category business plans to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Monitor category performance, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers and industry partners.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Forecasting

Negotiation

Presentation

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business Administration/Commerce

Tools

MS Office

Category management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the FMCG industry, is actively seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to oversee their burgeoning beverage portfolio. This is a remote-first position, allowing the successful candidate to operate from anywhere in South Africa , focusing on driving category growth and profitability. The role involves deep market analysis, strategic planning, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, and supply chain. We are looking for an individual with a profound understanding of the beverage market, consumer trends, and the competitive landscape to elevate our client's brands. This remote opportunity is perfect for a data-driven professional eager to shape the future of a key category for a major player in the FMCG sector, working from their own dedicated home office space.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies to drive sales, market share, and profitability for the beverage portfolio.
• Conduct in-depth market, consumer, and competitor analysis to identify key trends and opportunities.
• Manage the product lifecycle, including new product development, portfolio optimization, and discontinuation of underperforming items.
• Collaborate with marketing teams on brand strategy, pricing, promotion, and product innovation.
• Work closely with sales and supply chain teams to ensure effective product availability and efficient inventory management.
• Develop and present category business plans to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Monitor category performance, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and industry partners.

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 a related role within the FMCG industry, with a focus on beverages.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful category strategies that have driven measurable business results.
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in data analysis, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• Excellent understanding of the South African beverage market and consumer insights.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience working effectively in a remote team environment, demonstrating self-discipline and proactivity.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including MS Office Suite and category management tools.

Benefits

This remote position offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plan, and ample opportunities for professional development and career progression. Our client is committed to fostering a supportive and innovative remote work culture. Additional benefits include flexible working hours and the ability to significantly impact the strategic direction of a major product category within the FMCG landscape. Employees also benefit from potential bonuses and unique developmental programs tailored for remote leaders.