Category Manager - Premium Beverages (FMCG)

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Category Manager to lead a premium beverage portfolio in Cape Town. The role requires strategic thinking, data-driven decision making and strong commercial insight to drive growth and profitability.

You will analyze trends, optimize assortment, negotiate with suppliers, and partner with sales, marketing and supply chain to deliver category initiatives in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce, or a related discipline.
• Proven ability to analyze complex data sets and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent understanding of retail operations and consumer behavior in the beverage sector.
• Strategic thinking and robust commercial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to maximize sales, market share, and profitability for premium beverages.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and potential risks.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and placement strategies for the beverage category.
• Collaborate closely with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and ensure product availability and quality.
• Work cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to align on category initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key retail partners.
• Monitor competitor activities and market dynamics to adapt strategies accordingly.
• Present category performance reviews and strategic plans to senior management.
• Drive innovation through new product introductions and line extensions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Strategic mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Commerce

Tools

Category management software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious entity within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is actively seeking a seasoned Category Manager to oversee their premium beverage portfolio. This key position, based in the bustling city of Cape Town, Western Cape , requires a strategic thinker with a keen eye for market trends and consumer preferences. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, and ensuring profitability through insightful data analysis and robust commercial strategies. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead and innovate within a dynamic and growth-oriented segment of the FMCG market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to maximize sales, market share, and profitability for premium beverages.


• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and potential risks.


• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and placement strategies for the beverage category.


• Collaborate closely with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and ensure product availability and quality.


• Work cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to align on category initiatives.


• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key retail partners.


• Monitor competitor activities and market dynamics to adapt strategies accordingly.


• Present category performance reviews and strategic plans to senior management.


• Drive innovation through new product introductions and line extensions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce, or a related discipline.


• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management, brand management, or commercial roles within the FMCG industry, with a focus on beverages preferred.


• Proven ability to analyze complex data sets and translate insights into actionable strategies.


• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.


• Excellent understanding of retail operations and consumer behavior in the beverage sector.


• Strategic thinking and robust commercial acumen.


• Exceptional communication, presentation, and influencing skills.


• Proficiency in category management software and Microsoft Office Suite.


• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.


• Based in or able to commute to Cape Town, Western Cape.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary package is offered, reflecting the seniority and responsibilities of the role, alongside performance-driven incentives.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions are provided.


• Our client is committed to employee growth, offering substantial opportunities for professional development, further education, and career progression within the organization.


• You will join a forward-thinking team in a beautiful city, contributing to a respected portfolio in the FMCG sector.