Category Marketing Manager (Operations)

Switch Recruit; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 550 000 - 720 000; Full time

Job summary

A marketing recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Marketing Manager in Cape Town. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of marketing experience, including 2 years in a managerial role, with strong category expertise and an e-commerce focus. Responsibilities include managing marketing plans, budgets, and product launches while analyzing market trends. This role requires effective problem-solving skills and a creative mindset.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of marketing experience, including at least 2 years as a Marketing Manager.
• Solid understanding of sales and operations.
• Experience in e-commerce.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute yearly marketing activity plans for categories.
• Manage the P&L and budgets of assigned categories.
• Conduct market analysis and manage product launches.

Skills

Analytical and data-driven mindset

Strong category expertise

Creativity

Effective problem-solving skills

Numerical fluency

Education

Bachelors or Masters degree in Business Marketing

Job description

Job Overview

We are looking for a candidate with strong numerical fluency, effective problem‑solving skills, and the ability to resolve issues in a timely manner. The ideal person will have excellent time management, consistently meet deadlines, demonstrate strong leadership, work accurately and thoroughly under pressure, and take ownership of initiating and leading the implementation of marketing plans and strategies for their assigned category.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute yearly marketing activity plans for categories, integrating e‑commerce strategies
• Manage the P&L and budgets of assigned categories
• Act as a brand ambassador, driving brand equity, awareness, and off‑take
• Oversee overall category performance, including sales, distribution, and equity
• Conduct market analysis and manage product launches across traditional and e‑commerce channels
• Monitor marketing activity performance, measure campaign success, and generate reports
• Lead innovation and development initiatives, including new products, packaging, campaigns, and consumer promotions
• Collaborate with business development and finance on pricing strategies and revenue targets
• Liaise with research providers to gather market data and consumer insights for decision‑making
• Organize key events such as product launches, exhibitions, and product shoots

Requirements

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Business Marketing
• 57 years of marketing experience, including at least 2 years as a Marketing Manager, with solid understanding of sales and operations
• Strong category expertise and experience in e-commerce
• Analytical and data‑driven mindset
• Ability to identify trends and adapt to customer preferences
• Creative thinker with a track record of generating innovative ideas
• Pet ownership is a plus