About the Role
Our client, a leading retailer with a significant presence in the FMCG space, is seeking a strategic and experienced Category Manager to oversee their food product category. This pivotal role, based in the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , will be responsible for driving category growth, profitability, and market share through effective product assortment, pricing, promotion, and supplier management. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the food FMCG market, consumer trends, and retail dynamics. You will work closely with internal teams, including marketing, operations, and finance, as well as external suppliers, to curate a compelling product offering that meets customer needs and exceeds sales targets. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of a key category within a respected organization. We are looking for a commercially astute individual with strong analytical skills and a passion for delivering value to consumers through an optimized product range. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining a competitive edge in the dynamic FMCG retail landscape.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive category strategy to drive sales, profitability, and market share for the food products category in Mossel Bay, Western Cape .
- Manage the end-to-end product lifecycle, including assortment planning, new product introductions, and product rationalization.
- Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats, making data-driven decisions.
- Negotiate effectively with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favorable terms, and innovative product offerings.
- Develop and implement effective pricing and promotional strategies to maximize category performance and customer engagement.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute category-specific marketing campaigns and promotions.
- Monitor category performance against key metrics (sales, margin, volume, market share) and provide regular reports and recommendations to senior management.
- Ensure optimal stock levels and manage inventory turnover to minimize costs and prevent stockouts.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., store operations, merchandising) and external partners (suppliers).
- Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging products, and consumer preferences within the food FMCG sector.
Requirements
- A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in Category Management, Merchandising, or Brand Management within the FMCG retail sector .
- Demonstrated success in managing a product category and driving significant growth.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in data analysis and forecasting tools.
- Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Proven ability to develop and implement effective pricing and promotional strategies.
- Solid understanding of retail operations and the dynamics of the food FMCG market.
- Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experience with retail analytics software is a plus.
- Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .
Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
- Generous employee discount on store products.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
- Relocation assistance considered for exceptional candidates.