FMCG Category Manager - George

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Flexible work arrangement

Career development opportunities

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic Category Manager to lead a key FMCG product category from a fully remote position within South Africa. You will develop category strategies, optimize assortments, manage supplier relationships and drive sales and margins in a dynamic, autonomous environment.

The ideal candidate has 4–6 years in category/brand management in FMCG, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and experience with P&L management and market data platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or related field.
• 4–6 years of experience in category/brand management in FMCG.
• Proven ability to develop and execute category strategies that grow sales and profitability.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies aligned with business objectives and FMCG market dynamics.
• Analyze category performance, sales data and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage the category lifecycle including assortment planning, product introductions, and rationalization.
• Negotiate terms and build supplier relationships for favorable pricing and exclusive opportunities.
• Develop and execute pricing and promotional strategies to drive sales and margins.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing and supply chain to execute category plans.
• Manage the category budget to ensure profitability and ROI.
• Present performance reviews and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Continuously identify new product opportunities to enhance the category offering.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Financial analysis

P&L management

Education

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

Tools

Nielsen

IRI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent and expanding player in the FMCG sector, is seeking a strategic and commercially astute Category Manager to oversee a key product category. This is a fully remote position, allowing the successful candidate to operate from any location within South Africa while driving category growth and profitability. The Category Manager will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies, optimizing product assortments, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring the category meets sales and margin targets. This role requires a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and the competitive landscape within the FMCG market. You will be a key influencer in driving product innovation, promotional planning, and pricing strategies to maximize category performance. The ideal candidate is analytical, possesses strong negotiation skills, and thrives in a remote, autonomous work environment. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of a significant product category for a respected FMCG organization from a flexible, remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies aligned with overall business objectives and market dynamics in the FMCG sector.
• Analyze category performance, sales data, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Manage the entire product lifecycle within the category, including assortment planning, product introductions, and rationalization.
• Negotiate terms and build strong relationships with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favorable terms, and exclusive opportunities.
• Develop and execute effective pricing and promotional strategies to drive sales volume and profitability.
• Monitor competitor activities, market trends, and consumer behavior to ensure the category remains competitive and relevant.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless execution of category plans and initiatives.
• Manage the category budget, ensuring profitability and return on investment.
• Present category performance reviews and strategic recommendations to senior management in a clear and concise manner.
• Continuously innovate and identify new product opportunities to enhance the category offering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a similar strategic role within the FMCG industry.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing category strategies that have led to significant growth in sales and profitability.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable plans.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in financial analysis and P&L management.
• Experience with market data and insights platforms (e.g., Nielsen, IRI).
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a remote work environment.
• Strategic thinker with a strong understanding of the FMCG retail landscape.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and proven track record.
• The significant advantage of a fully remote working arrangement, offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Opportunity to lead and grow a key category for a well-regarded FMCG company.
• Access to professional development and opportunities for career advancement.
• Collaborative work environment, despite the remote nature of the role.
• Performance-based bonuses and other incentives.