Category Manager - Snacks & Confectionery

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical & retirement benefits

Professional development

Hybrid work in Polokwane

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Category Manager to oversee Snacks & Confectionery for a leading FMCG client in Polokwane, Limpopo, in a hybrid role. You will develop and implement category strategies, analyze market data, manage assortment, pricing, promotions, and work with sales, marketing, and supply chain to drive sales and profitability.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in FMCG category management, a relevant degree (MBA advantageous), strong analytical and negotiation skills, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field; MBA advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years in category or brand management in FMCG.
• Proven ability to develop and implement category strategies driving sales and profit growth.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent understanding of retail/wholesale FMCG channels.
• Proficiency with category management software, market data tools, and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for Snacks & Confectionery to achieve objectives.
• Analyze market data, consumer insights, and sales performance for growth opportunities.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, and promotional activities within the category.
• Collaborate with sales to implement go-to-market plans for new launches.
• Work with marketing to craft compelling brand messaging and campaigns.
• Monitor competitor activities and market trends to stay competitive.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Optimize inventory levels and ensure efficient supply chain management.
• Develop and present category performance reviews and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure alignment between category strategy and company objectives.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing or Business Administration

MBA (advantageous)

Tools

Category management software

Market data analysis tools (Nielsen/IRI)

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to oversee their thriving Snacks & Confectionery division. This pivotal role, located in Polokwane, Limpopo , will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies that drive sales, profitability, and market share growth. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the FMCG market, consumer behaviour, and category management principles. You will work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure optimal product assortment, pricing, promotion, and placement strategies. This hybrid role combines essential on-site strategic engagement with operational flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies for Snacks & Confectionery to achieve business objectives.
• Analyse market data, consumer insights, and sales performance to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, and promotional activities within the category.
• Collaborate with the sales team to develop and implement effective go-to-market strategies for new product launches.
• Work with marketing to develop compelling brand messaging and campaigns for the category.
• Monitor competitor activities and market trends to maintain a competitive edge.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Optimise inventory levels and ensure efficient supply chain management for the category.
• Develop and present category performance reviews and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure strong alignment between category strategy and overall company objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field; an MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a related role within the FMCG industry.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing category strategies that have driven significant sales and profit growth.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent understanding of retail and wholesale channels within the FMCG sector.
• Proficiency in category management software, market data analysis tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI), and MS Office Suite.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience in the Snacks & Confectionery category is a strong plus.
• Must be able to work effectively in a hybrid model, based in or willing to commute to Polokwane, Limpopo .

Benefits

• competitive salary
• performance-based bonuses
• comprehensive medical and retirement benefits
• excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading FMCG company.
• This hybrid position provides a dynamic work environment in Polokwane , offering both strategic impact and workplace flexibility.