FMCG Category Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and annual bonus

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks an experienced FMCG Category Manager to lead category strategies and drive growth across retail partners. You will analyze market trends and consumer insights to optimize assortment, pricing, promotions, and merchandising to maximize profitability.

The role requires strong negotiation and analytical skills, with a track record of managing P&Ls and complex category plans in a fast-moving consumer goods environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce, or related field; MBA or equivalent advantageous.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management or related commercial role in FMCG.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies including assortment planning, pricing, promotions, and merchandising.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer behavior to identify growth opportunities and threats.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and optimize product sourcing for profitability.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales to go-to-market plans for new products and promotions.
• Ensure product availability and visibility across channels and manage inventory levels.
• Monitor performance and provide reports to senior management.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a strategic and analytical FMCG Category Manager to lead the development and execution of category strategies in Stellenbosch . This hybrid role involves working closely with both the head office and retail partners to drive category growth, optimize product assortment, and enhance shopper engagement. You will be responsible for analyzing market trends, consumer insights, and sales data to identify opportunities for profitable growth within your assigned categories. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the fast-moving consumer goods retail landscape , excellent negotiation skills, and a proven ability to manage complex category plans. This position is key to driving commercial success and market share.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies, including assortment planning, pricing, promotions, and merchandising.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer behavior to identify growth opportunities and competitive threats.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, and optimize product sourcing for maximum profitability.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop and execute effective go-to-market plans for new products and promotions.
• Ensure optimal product availability and visibility across all retail channels, managing inventory levels effectively.
• Monitor category performance against key metrics and provide regular reports and insights to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field; MBA or equivalent is advantageous.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management or a related commercial role within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record in driving category growth, managing P&Ls, and negotiating with suppliers.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable strategies.
• Excellent understanding of retail operations, shopper marketing, and category management principles.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and presentation software.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and attractive annual bonus.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance of office and remote work.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous employee discount on company products.