Category Manager - FMCG Insights & Strategy

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career development

Staff discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly analytical Category Manager to drive category growth in Soweto, Gauteng. Leverage consumer insights, market data, and financial analysis to develop category strategies that optimize assortments and drive sales across key retail channels.

You will collaborate with sales, brand marketing, and shopper insights teams to shape category plans, manage cross-functional teams, and stay ahead of FMCG trends to deliver profitable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, or related field; MBA is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Analyze category performance, trends, consumer behavior, and competitors.
• Create assortment and space plans to optimize shelf visibility.
• Present category insights to retail partners with sales teams.
• Coordinate with brand marketing for launches in category plans.
• Identify opportunities for product innovation and assortment expansion.
• Monitor category sales, profit, ROI.
• Lead cross-functional category teams to execute initiatives.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and trends.

Skills

Data analysis

Forecasting

Financial modeling

Consumer insights

Shopper behavior

Communication

Negotiation

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Economics

MBA (advantage)

Tools

MS Office Excel

Retail analytics software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a highly analytical and strategic Category Manager to drive category growth and performance in Soweto, Gauteng . This role involves leveraging consumer insights, market data, and financial analysis to develop compelling category strategies that enhance product placement, optimize assortments, and drive sales within key retail channels. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of category management principles, consumer behavior, and the FMCG market landscape. You will work collaboratively with sales, brand marketing, and shopper insights teams to develop actionable plans that deliver sustainable category growth and profitability. This is a key strategic role for shaping category success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies that align with overall business objectives and market opportunities.
• Analyze category performance, market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities to identify growth drivers and challenges.
• Develop assortment and space management plans to optimize product placement and shelf visibility.
• Collaborate with sales teams to present category strategies and insights to retail partners.
• Work with brand marketing to ensure new product launches and brand initiatives are integrated into category plans.
• Identify opportunities for product innovation and assortment expansion within the category.
• Monitor financial performance of the category, including sales, profit, and ROI.
• Lead cross-functional category teams to drive execution of strategic initiatives.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging trends in category management and FMCG.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in category management, brand management, or shopper insights within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful category strategies that have driven sales and market share.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis, forecasting, and financial modeling.
• Deep understanding of consumer insights, shopper behavior, and retail dynamics.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environment in the Soweto area.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, especially Excel; experience with retail analytics software is beneficial.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and performance-based incentives, reflecting the strategic importance of this role. Comprehensive benefits include medical aid, a retirement fund, and ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Employees enjoy a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment, the chance to influence category strategy for leading brands, and access to continuous learning programs. Additional benefits include staff discounts and regular team development activities.