Category Manager - FMCG Groceries

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Incentives

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Growth opportunities

Western Cape region

Strategic planning exposure

Generous leave

Collaborative culture

Leadership potential

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager in Paarl, Western Cape, to lead a key grocery category within a respected FMCG company. You will analyze market trends, optimize assortment, manage supplier relationships, and collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations to drive growth and profitability while maintaining strong shopper appeal.

The role demands a minimum of 6 years in category or related roles, excellent negotiation and data analysis skills, and relocation willingness to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management or related roles in FMCG, with grocery focus.
• Proven track record of growing product categories.
• Strong understanding of FMCG grocery retail, including merchandising, pricing, promotions.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales, profitability, and market share for assigned grocery categories.
• Analyze market trends, consumer insights, and sales data to identify growth opportunities and category performance drivers.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and merchandising for the category.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favourable terms and contracts.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of category plans.
• Monitor competitor activities and adapt strategies to maintain a competitive edge.
• Ensure optimal inventory levels and manage stock turns effectively within the category.
• Develop and present category reviews and business plans to senior management.
• Identify and implement new product development or line extensions within the category.
• Stay current with industry best practices and emerging trends in the FMCG grocery market.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Supplier management

Data analysis

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager to oversee a key grocery category. This important role, based in Paarl, Western Cape, will be responsible for driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, and managing supplier relationships to maximize profitability and market share. You will leverage market insights, consumer data, and commercial acumen to develop category strategies that align with both our business objectives and consumer needs. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the FMCG grocery landscape, excellent negotiation skills, and a proven ability to manage product portfolios effectively. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our grocery offerings and ensuring our brands remain competitive and appealing to shoppers. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a significant category within a well-established FMCG company.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies to drive sales, profitability, and market share for assigned grocery categories.
• Analyze market trends, consumer insights, and sales data to identify growth opportunities and category performance drivers.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and merchandising for the category.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favourable terms and contracts.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of category plans.
• Monitor competitor activities and adapt strategies to maintain a competitive edge.
• Ensure optimal inventory levels and manage stock turns effectively within the category.
• Develop and present category reviews and business plans to senior management.
• Identify and implement new product development or line extensions within the category.
• Stay current with industry best practices and emerging trends in the FMCG grocery market.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a related role within the FMCG industry, with a focus on grocery products.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing product categories.
• Strong understanding of the FMCG grocery retail environment, including merchandising, pricing, and promotions.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Paarl, Western Cape, and legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentive programs.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the FMCG sector.
• Work in a beautiful and dynamic region of the Western Cape.
• Exposure to strategic category planning and decision-making.
• Generous annual leave and other paid time off.
• Supportive and collaborative team culture.
• Potential for future leadership opportunities.