FMCG Category Manager - Eastern Cape

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Development opportunities

Dynamic work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, SA, seeks a strategic Category Manager to oversee a key FMCG product category. You will craft category strategies, analyze market data, and collaborate with sales, marketing and supply chain to drive sales, profitability, and market share in the Eastern Cape.

You will lead category plans with retailers, manage budgets, and stay ahead of market trends to ensure product availability and optimal stock levels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration or Commerce.
• Minimum 5 years in category or brand management within FMCG.
• Proven ability to develop and execute growth strategies.
• Solid understanding of South Africa retail dynamics and consumer behavior.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies, including assortment, pricing, promotion and placement.
• Analyze sales data, market trends and consumer insights to identify opportunities.
• Collaborate with sales to create category plans with key retailers.
• Coordinate with marketing, supply chain and finance for alignment on objectives.
• Prepare compelling product proposals and presentations for buyers.
• Monitor KPIs and provide actionable recommendations.
• Manage category budget and promotional calendars.
• Track competitor activity and market trends in FMCG.
• Ensure product availability and optimal stock levels across the supply chain.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Negotiation

Data analysis tools

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business Administration/Commerce

Tools

SAP

Excel

Nielsen

IRI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading name in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a strategic and insightful Category Manager to oversee a key product category. This vital role is based in East London, Eastern Cape . You will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that drive sales, profitability, and market share within your assigned category. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of consumer insights, market dynamics, retail operations, and brand management within the FMCG environment. You will work collaboratively with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure the successful performance of the category across various retail channels in the Eastern Cape . This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on brand performance and category growth from our East London office.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies, including assortment planning, pricing, promotion, and placement.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and threats.
• Collaborate with the sales team to develop and execute effective category plans with key retail partners.
• Manage relationships with internal stakeholders (marketing, supply chain, finance) to ensure alignment on category objectives.
• Develop compelling product proposals and presentations for retail buyers.
• Monitor category performance against KPIs and objectives, providing regular reports and actionable recommendations.
• Manage the category's budget and promotional plans effectively.
• Stay abreast of competitor activities and market trends within the FMCG sector.
• Ensure product availability and optimal stock levels for the category across the supply chain.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a related role within the FMCG industry .
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful category strategies that have driven sales and market share growth.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent understanding of retail operations, consumer behavior, and the FMCG market in South Africa .
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and relevant software (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, SAP, Excel).
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience within the East London or wider Eastern Cape region is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance-related bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits are provided.
• Opportunities for professional development, continuous training, and career advancement within a leading FMCG organization are available.
• You will be part of a dynamic and collaborative work environment, contributing to the success of key brands.
• This role provides significant responsibility and exposure to strategic decision-making within the FMCG sector.