Category Manager - FMCG Retail

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid and retirement fund

Hybrid work arrangements

Staff discounts and wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Category Manager to lead category strategies, optimize assortment, pricing, promotions, and supplier negotiations within FMCG retail. Based in Sandton, the role partners with merchandising, marketing, and supply chain to drive growth and profitability.

The ideal candidate has 5-7 years in category management with strong analytical and negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the South African FMCG market. Hybrid work options may be available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field.
• MBA or equivalent is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in category management, merchandising, or brand management within FMCG retail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies, including assortment planning and category vision.
• Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities to identify opportunities.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, pricing, and promotions to maximize profitability.
• Develop and implement pricing strategies and promotions to drive sales and targets.
• Monitor category performance, sales data, and KPIs, and provide reports to senior management.
• Collaborate with merchandising to ensure optimal product placement and store execution.
• Work with marketing to develop integrated campaigns to drive customer traffic.
• Manage inventory levels and product availability to minimize stock-outs and satisfy customers.
• Identify and develop new product opportunities within assigned categories.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Admin/Marketing/Commerce

MBA or equivalent

Tools

MS Excel

Retail analytics software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) retail space, is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to join their dynamic commercial team. This role, based in the bustling economic hub of Sandton, Gauteng, ZA, is critical to driving growth and profitability within assigned product categories. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the FMCG retail landscape, strong analytical skills, and a proven ability to develop and execute effective category strategies. You will be responsible for product assortment, pricing, promotions, supplier negotiations, and market analysis to maximize category performance and customer satisfaction. This is a significant opportunity for a commercially astute professional to shape the future of key product categories within a leading retail organization. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, marketing, and supply chain, to ensure strategic alignment and successful execution. The position demands a proactive, results-oriented individual with excellent negotiation and commercial acumen, contributing to the overall success of our client's retail operations in Sandton and nationally. You will be empowered to make strategic decisions that directly impact sales and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies, including assortment planning, product mix optimization, and category vision.
• Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities to identify opportunities for category growth and improvement.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, pricing, and promotional activities to ensure competitive product offerings and maximize profitability.
• Develop and implement effective pricing strategies and promotional plans to drive sales and achieve category targets.
• Monitor category performance, sales data, and key performance indicators (KPIs), providing regular reports and actionable insights to senior management.
• Collaborate closely with the merchandising team to ensure optimal product placement and store execution.
• Work with the marketing team to develop integrated campaigns that enhance category appeal and drive customer traffic.
• Manage inventory levels and product availability to minimize stock‑outs and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Identify and develop new product opportunities within the assigned categories.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in FMCG retail category management.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field.
• An MBA or equivalent is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in category management, merchandising, or brand management within the FMCG retail sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing FMCG categories, demonstrating strong commercial acumen.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable strategies.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in managing supplier relationships.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experience with retail analytics software.
• A deep understanding of the South African FMCG retail market and consumer dynamics.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and a results‑driven approach.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, including performance-based bonuses and potential profit-sharing.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided.
• The role offers significant opportunities for career advancement within a leading FMCG retail organization.
• You will benefit from a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Sandton, Gauteng, with exposure to strategic decision-making.
• Professional development opportunities, including training programs and industry events, will be readily available.
• Additional benefits may include staff discounts, wellness programs, and potential for hybrid work arrangements, balancing office presence with remote flexibility.