Category Manager - Grocery

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 750,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Staff discounts

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting in placing an experienced Category Manager for a leading FMCG retailer in Cape Town. The role covers sourcing, assortment planning, pricing, promotions and performance analysis to grow sales and profitability.

The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, proven negotiation experience, and a track record in grocery category management within a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in category management within FMCG grocery.
• Proven ability to drive sales and profitability in a category.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies to meet sales, margin and market share targets.
• Analyze sales data, market trends and competitor activity to spot opportunities and risks.
• Manage assortment, pricing, promotions and merchandising for the grocery category.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships, negotiate favourable terms and ensure availability.
• Collaborate with marketing to plan effective promotional campaigns.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with supply chain to optimize stock.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and implement corrective actions.
• Stay informed on consumer trends in the grocery sector and present plans to senior management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Merchandising

Communication

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Commerce

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Retail analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading retailer in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an experienced Category Manager for their grocery division, based in Cape Town, Western Cape. This pivotal role involves managing a specific category of grocery products, from sourcing and assortment planning to pricing, promotion, and performance analysis. You will be responsible for driving sales, profitability, and market share within your category by leveraging deep market knowledge and supplier relationships. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, a keen understanding of consumer behaviour in the grocery space, and proven negotiation expertise. This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a significant product portfolio and contribute directly to the company's success in the vibrant Cape Town, Western Cape market. We seek a proactive individual with a passion for retail and a commitment to delivering outstanding results.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies to achieve sales, margin, and market share targets.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activity to identify opportunities and risks.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and merchandising for the assigned grocery category.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favourable terms and ensuring product availability.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute effective promotional campaigns.
• Monitor inventory levels and work with supply chain teams to optimize stock management.
• Conduct regular performance reviews of the category and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Stay informed about consumer preferences and emerging trends in the grocery sector.
• Present category plans and performance reviews to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management or a similar role within the FMCG retail sector, specifically in grocery.
• Demonstrated success in managing product categories, driving sales, and improving profitability.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, with proficiency in retail analytics tools.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and supplier management skills.
• Solid understanding of merchandising principles and retail operations.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced retail environment based in Cape Town, Western Cape.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• A passion for food and consumer products is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and staff discounts on merchandise.
• You will have opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading retail organization.
• We promote a supportive and results-driven work culture in Cape Town, Western Cape, valuing teamwork and innovation.