FMCG Category Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng, is seeking a strategic FMCG Category Manager to lead category strategies that boost sales, profitability, and market share. Based in Soweto, you will analyze data, negotiate with suppliers, and drive cross-functional collaboration to optimise the product mix and promotional activity.

The role requires 5–7 years in FMCG category management, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the South African retail environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, economics or related field.
• 5–7 years in category/brand management within FMCG.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Understanding of South African FMCG market and retail dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies that drive growth, profitability and market penetration in Soweto.
• Analyze performance data to identify trends, opportunities and threats.
• Manage assortment, pricing, promotions and placement strategies to optimise performance.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, procurement and supply chain for execution of category plans.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive collaboration.
• Conduct market and consumer research to understand evolving needs and preferences.
• Present category performance reviews and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Identify opportunities for product innovation and partnerships to enhance the category's position.

Skills

Category management

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Presentation skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a strategic and analytical FMCG Category Manager . This crucial role, based in Soweto, Gauteng , is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that drive sales, profitability, and market share for assigned product categories. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of the FMCG market, consumer behavior, and retail dynamics, coupled with strong analytical and negotiation skills. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on product performance and contribute to the success of a well-respected company within the vibrant South African consumer landscape. Join us to lead and grow key FMCG categories.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies that align with overall business objectives, focusing on growth, profitability, and market penetration in Soweto .
• Analyze category performance data, including sales, market share, and profitability, identifying key trends, opportunities, and threats.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and placement strategies within assigned categories to optimize performance.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, including sales, marketing, procurement, and supply chain, to ensure effective execution of category plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive collaboration and achieve category goals.
• Conduct regular market and consumer research to understand evolving needs and preferences within the FMCG sector.
• Present category performance reviews and strategic recommendations to senior management and relevant stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, product development, and strategic partnerships to enhance the category's competitive position.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a related role within the FMCG industry .
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful category strategies that have resulted in sales and profit growth.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• In-depth understanding of the South African FMCG market, retail environment, and consumer behavior.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.
• Must be based in or able to commute regularly to Soweto, Gauteng .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, along with performance-based incentives and a comprehensive benefits program including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. Employees will benefit from opportunities for professional development, a collaborative and dynamic work environment, and the chance to influence the direction of key FMCG categories. This role presents significant potential for career advancement within a leading organization. Contribute your expertise to category leadership in Soweto, Gauteng .