Category Manager - FMCG Snacks

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus incentives

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave

Career advancement

Training programs

Bloemfontein role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Category Manager for the Snacks category in Bloemfontein, Free State. You will lead category strategy, optimize assortment, pricing, promotions, and merchandising to drive sales and profitability.

The role requires strategic thinking, supplier management, and strong data analysis to seize market opportunities in the FMCG sector. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in category/brand management within FMCG, with proficiency in market data tools and MS Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.
• An MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Category Management, Brand Management, or a similar strategic role within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of driving category growth and profitability.
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in market data analysis (e.g., Nielsen, IRI).
• Excellent understanding of retail dynamics, merchandising, and promotional strategies.
• Demonstrated negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across functions and manage complex projects.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel, and experience with category management software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual category plans, including sales, profit, market share, and marketing objectives for the Snacks category.
• Analyze market data, consumer insights, and competitor activity to identify trends and growth opportunities.
• Manage and nurture relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and contracts.
• Optimize product assortment, pricing strategies, and promotional activities to drive sales and profitability.
• Develop and implement effective merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and shopper engagement in-store.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of category initiatives.
• Monitor category performance against KPIs and provide regular reports with actionable recommendations.
• Identify new product opportunities and work with internal teams for successful introductions.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in category management and the FMCG sector.

Skills

Category management

Analytics

Supplier management

Excel

Negotiation

Merchandising

Communication

Cross-functional work

Market data

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA

Tools

Category management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is actively searching for a strategic and analytical Category Manager to oversee their thriving Snacks division in Bloemfontein, Free State . This critical role will involve driving category growth by developing and executing comprehensive category strategies, managing supplier relationships, and analyzing market data to identify key opportunities. You will be responsible for optimizing product assortment, pricing, promotions, and merchandising to maximize sales and profitability within the category. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of category management principles, a deep knowledge of the FMCG market, and proven success in driving commercial outcomes. This is an exceptional opportunity to take ownership of a significant category within a leading organization and make a substantial impact in the Free State region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual category plans, including sales, profit, market share, and marketing objectives for the Snacks category.


• Analyze market data, consumer insights, and competitor activity to identify trends and growth opportunities.


• Manage and nurture relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and contracts.


• Optimize product assortment, pricing strategies, and promotional activities to drive sales and profitability.


• Develop and implement effective merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and shopper engagement in-store.


• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of category initiatives.


• Monitor category performance against KPIs and provide regular reports with actionable recommendations.


• Identify new product opportunities and work with internal teams for successful introductions.


• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in category management and the FMCG sector.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.


• An MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is a plus.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Category Management, Brand Management, or a similar strategic role within the FMCG industry .


• Proven track record of driving category growth and profitability.


• Strong analytical skills with expertise in market data analysis (e.g., Nielsen, IRI).


• Excellent understanding of retail dynamics, merchandising, and promotional strategies.


• Demonstrated negotiation and supplier management skills.


• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to work collaboratively across functions and manage complex projects.


• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel, and experience with category management software.


• A proactive and results-oriented mindset.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting your experience and contribution.


• Performance-based bonus and incentives.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.


• Generous annual leave.


• Significant opportunities for career advancement within a large FMCG organization.


• A challenging and rewarding role managing a key category in Bloemfontein, Free State .


• Access to ongoing training and development programs.


• The opportunity to shape the future of the Snacks category in the region.