Category Manager - FMCG Staple Foods

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Performance-based incentives

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 client, a leading innovator in the FMCG staple foods sector, seeks a strategic Category Manager to drive growth and profitability for key food categories. This fully remote role lets you contribute from anywhere in South Africa, developing category strategies, optimizing assortments, and managing supplier relationships to boost sales and margins.

You will analyze market trends, translate consumer insights into action, collaborate with sales and marketing, and present plans to senior

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and translate into strategies.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies to maximize sales, market share and profitability.
• Analyze category performance, market trends and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities.
• Optimize product assortment, pricing and promotions to meet consumer needs and business objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring reliable sourcing.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to develop go-to-market plans and monitor competition.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Marketing/Economics

MBA preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the FMCG staple foods sector, is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager to drive growth and profitability for their key food categories. This is a fully remote position, enabling you to contribute your expertise from anywhere in South Africa . You will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies, optimizing product assortments, managing supplier relationships, and analyzing market trends to enhance consumer satisfaction and sales performance. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of category management principles, consumer behavior, and the competitive landscape of the food industry. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to delivering high-quality food products and advancing careers in a dynamic, remote-first work environment.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies to maximize sales, market share, and profitability. Analyze category performance, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and challenges. Optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotional activities to meet consumer needs and achieve business objectives. Manage relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring reliable product sourcing. Collaborate closely with the sales and marketing teams to develop and execute effective go-to-market plans. Monitor competitor activities and market dynamics to maintain a competitive edge. Manage category budgets, forecasting sales, and controlling costs effectively. Develop and present category plans and performance reviews to senior management. Drive innovation within the category, identifying new product opportunities and supporting their development. Ensure alignment of category strategies with the overall company vision and objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related field; MBA preferred. Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, brand management, or retail buying within the FMCG industry , specifically with food products. Proven track record of successfully managing and growing product categories. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable strategies. In-depth knowledge of category management principles, shopper marketing, and retail operations. Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Experience working effectively in a remote team environment and managing projects independently. Proficiency in data analysis tools and software. Understanding of consumer behavior and purchasing patterns in the food sector. Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.

Benefits

This role offers the flexibility of a fully remote work arrangement. Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning assistance, and performance-based incentives. You will have access to cutting-edge tools and platforms to excel in your role from home. Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading FMCG company are readily available. Join our client and contribute to the future of food in a supportive and innovative virtual setting, based anywhere in South Africa .