Category Manager - Snacks & Beverages

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Health and wellness benefits

Career growth opportunities

Retirement savings

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager to lead the Snacks & Beverages portfolio. This fully remote role with occasional travel focuses on developing category strategies, optimizing assortments, managing supplier relationships, and driving growth in a dynamic FMCG environment.

The ideal candidate has 4–6 years in category or brand management within FMCG, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work autonomously in a remote setup while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or related field.
• 4–6 years in category/brand/product management, preferably FMCG Snacks & Beverages.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven approach.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience in remote or hybrid work is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic category plans to grow sales, share and profitability.
• Analyze market, competitor and consumer trends to identify opportunities.
• Manage product lifecycle, assortment optimization and new product introductions.
• Negotiate terms with suppliers and build collaborative relationships.
• Develop pricing and promotional strategies; collaborate with sales and marketing.
• Monitor performance metrics and provide actionable insights.
• Oversee category budget and ROI; stay informed on industry developments.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Data analysis

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Consumer insights

Time management

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing or related field

Tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market, is seeking a strategic and commercially astute Category Manager to lead their Snacks & Beverages portfolio. This role, based remotely with potential for occasional travel, will be pivotal in driving category growth, profitability, and market share. You will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies, optimizing product assortments, managing supplier relationships, and understanding consumer trends to ensure our client remains competitive. The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical mindset, a deep understanding of category management principles, and a passion for the dynamic FMCG landscape. This is a fully remote position, offering flexibility while maintaining significant strategic impact within the organization. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of iconic brands. This position offers a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to leverage their expertise in a challenging and rewarding remote role.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic category plans to drive sales, market share, and profitability for Snacks & Beverages.
• Conduct in-depth market, competitor, and consumer analysis to identify trends and growth opportunities.
• Manage the product lifecycle, including assortment optimization, new product introductions, and product delisting.
• Negotiate favorable terms and build strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Develop and implement effective promotional strategies and pricing models.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations teams to ensure cohesive execution of category plans.
• Monitor category performance metrics, analyze sales data, and provide actionable insights and recommendations.
• Stay abreast of industry developments and emerging consumer preferences in the Snacks & Beverages sector.
• Manage the category budget effectively, ensuring optimal return on investment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in category management, brand management, or product management, preferably within the FMCG industry , specifically in Snacks & Beverages.
• Proven ability to develop and implement successful category strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in data analysis tools.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics in the FMCG sector.
• Experience working in a remote or hybrid work environment is highly desirable.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Reside in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA or surrounding areas, though the role is remote.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus.
• Flexibility of a fully remote work arrangement.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Contribution to retirement savings.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Be part of a leading FMCG company with a strong portfolio.