FMCG Category Manager

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Professional growth

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced FMCG Category Manager for East London, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on driving growth and profitability through category strategies, optimized assortments, and strong supplier relationships.

The ideal candidate has 4–6 years in category/brand management, strong data analytics, and a solid understanding of retail dynamics in FMCG. The position offers development opportunities in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration or related discipline.
• 4–6 years of FMCG category management or related experience.
• Strong data analysis and ability to derive insights.
• Good understanding of retail operations and FMCG market.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience with Eastern Cape market is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category management strategies to drive sales and profitability.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities.
• Optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotions for assigned categories.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and negotiate favorable terms.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain to align category plans.
• Monitor category performance against KPIs and address shortfalls.
• Identify and implement new product opportunities and manage lifecycle.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and competitor activities.
• Develop category plans for retail partners in East London and beyond.

Skills

Data analysis

Negotiation skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing or Business Administration

Tools

Category management software

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an experienced and strategic FMCG Category Manager to join their team in East London, Eastern Cape. This vital role focuses on driving growth and profitability for specific product categories by developing and implementing effective category strategies, optimizing product assortments, and managing supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of consumer insights, market trends, and retail dynamics within the FMCG space. You will be responsible for maximizing category sales, improving market share, and ensuring our product offerings meet the evolving needs of consumers in the Eastern Cape. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a driven individual to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category management strategies to drive sales and profitability.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities.
• Optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotions for assigned categories.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, negotiate favorable terms, and ensure product availability.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to align category plans with business objectives.
• Monitor category performance against KPIs and develop action plans to address any shortfalls.
• Identify and implement new product opportunities and manage the product lifecycle.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and competitor activities.
• Develop compelling category plans for retail partners within the East London area and beyond.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a related role within the FMCG industry.
• Proven ability to analyze data, derive insights, and develop strategic plans.
• Strong understanding of retail operations and the FMCG market landscape.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in category management software and data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Experience working within the Eastern Cape market is a distinct advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Generous paid time off and other employee benefits.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Chance to shape the future of key FMCG categories.