Category Manager - FMCG Retail

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

Hybrid work model

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks an experienced Category Manager to lead a key FMCG product category within a major retailer. You will shape assortment, pricing, promotions, and merchandising while partnering with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to drive growth.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years in category or retail management, strong analytical skills, and a business degree. This hybrid role offers both office and remote work with opportunities for impact and career

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in category management, brand management, or retail management, preferably in FMCG.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with ability to interpret data.
• Excellent understanding of retail operations, merchandising and pricing strategies.
• Experience in Randburg, Gauteng or similar urban retail environments is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to maximize sales, profitability, and market share.
• Analyze market data, sales trends, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and risks.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and merchandising for the category.
• Collaborate with sales teams to implement go-to-market strategies.
• Work with marketing to align category plans with brand strategies.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor category performance and provide regular reports to senior management.
• Identify and introduce new products and innovations to enhance the category.
• Conduct regular store visits to assess placement and activities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Financial acumen

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Tools

Market analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to oversee a key product category within their retail operations in Randburg, Gauteng. This role is crucial for driving category growth, profitability, and market share through effective assortment planning, pricing strategies, and promotional activities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the FMCG retail landscape, strong analytical skills, and a proven ability to manage product portfolios effectively. You will work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to identify consumer needs, analyze market trends, and develop data-driven strategies to optimize category performance. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a dynamic professional to make a significant impact on our business. We are looking for a proactive individual with a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering results in the competitive Randburg retail market. This hybrid role offers a blend of office and remote work, promoting efficiency and work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to maximize sales, profitability, and market share.
• Analyze market data, sales trends, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and potential risks.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and merchandising for the assigned category.
• Collaborate with sales teams to develop and implement effective go-to-market strategies.
• Work closely with marketing to ensure alignment of category plans with brand strategies.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor category performance against key metrics and provide regular reports to senior management.
• Identify and introduce new products and innovations to enhance the category offering.
• Conduct regular store visits to assess product placement and competitor activities.
• Stay informed about industry trends, consumer behaviour, and emerging retail technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in category management, brand management, or retail management, preferably within the FMCG sector.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful category strategies.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Excellent understanding of retail operations, merchandising, and pricing strategies.
• Proficiency in market analysis tools and software.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Experience in Randburg, Gauteng or similar urban retail environments is beneficial.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses. This hybrid role provides a flexible work arrangement. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and exposure to high-level strategic decision-making. Join our thriving team in Randburg and take charge of a dynamic FMCG category.