FMCG Category Manager

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, seeks a seasoned Category Manager to lead category growth for FMCG products. You will shape strategies, optimize assortment, and drive profitability through supplier negotiations and data-driven decisions.

The role requires focus on market analysis, promotions, and inventory management, with collaboration across Sales, Marketing and Operations to achieve targets. Hybrid work is offered in a dynamic, expanding environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years in Category Management or Brand Management within FMCG.
• Strong ability to analyze sales data, market insights, and financial performance to drive category growth.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Excel and category management software.
• Based in Upington or willing to commute.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic category plans to drive sales, market share and profitability for assigned FMCG categories.
• Analyze market trends, consumer behavior and competitive landscape to identify opportunities and threats within the category.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and shelf space allocation to optimize category performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and promotional support.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing and Operations to align category strategies and execution.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce or related field

Tools

Excel

Category management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is looking for a strategic and analytically skilled Category Manager to join their vibrant commercial team in Upington, Northern Cape. This role is fundamental in driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, and enhancing profitability for assigned product categories. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the FMCG market, strong analytical capabilities, and a proven ability to develop and execute effective category strategies. You will be responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating terms, and analyzing market data to make informed decisions that boost sales and customer satisfaction. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a tangible impact on the success of our client's product offerings within the Northern Cape region and contribute to their ongoing expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic category plans to drive sales volume, market share, and profitability for assigned FMCG categories.
• Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities and threats within the category.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, promotions, and shelf space allocation to optimize category performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms, pricing, and promotional support.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, and Operations teams to ensure alignment on category strategies and execution.
• Monitor category performance against KPIs, providing regular reports and insights to senior management.
• Identify new product opportunities and manage the product lifecycle within the category.
• Ensure effective inventory management and stock availability for all products within the assigned categories.
• Develop and execute compelling promotional plans to drive consumer demand and retailer engagement.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in Category Management or Brand Management, preferably within the FMCG sector.
• Proven ability to analyze sales data, market insights, and financial performance to drive category growth.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in managing supplier relationships.
• Excellent understanding of retail dynamics, merchandising, and promotional strategies.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, including Excel and category management software.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Based in or willing to commute to Upington, Northern Cape.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance-based incentives. Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided. This hybrid role offers flexibility and opportunities for professional development within a leading FMCG organization. You will join a collaborative team and contribute to the strategic direction of key product categories in the Northern Cape. This role provides a stable and rewarding career path for individuals passionate about the FMCG industry in Upington.