National Category Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Retirement annuity

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a strategic National Category Manager for their FMCG client in Sandton, Gauteng. You will drive category growth, profitability, and assortment optimization across major retail channels nationwide, collaborating with sales, marketing, and supply chain to deliver impactful category strategies.

The role requires deep consumer insights, data analysis experience (Nielsen/IRI), and a proven track record in FMCG category management, with 5–7 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• A Bachelor's degree with extensive relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in category management or a related analytical role within the FMCG industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement national category strategies that drive volume, market share, and profitability for assigned FMCG categories.
• Analyze market data, sales trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and strategic recommendations.
• Optimize product assortment, placement, pricing, and promotional strategies across key retail partners.
• Collaborate closely with sales teams to ensure effective execution of category plans and provide category insights support.
• Work with brand management and marketing teams to align category strategies with brand objectives and new product launches.
• Manage category P&L, ensuring financial targets are met and optimizing return on investment for category activities.
• Build strong working relationships with key retail buyers and category management teams.
• Present category reviews and strategic plans to internal stakeholders and external retail partners.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices, emerging trends, and innovations in category management.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Communication

Negotiation

Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration or related field

Bachelor's degree with relevant experience

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Nielsen/IRI

Category management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is actively seeking a strategic and analytical National Category Manager to join their esteemed commercial team in Sandton, Gauteng . This vital role will be responsible for driving category growth and profitability across all major retail channels nationwide by developing and executing insightful category strategies. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of consumer insights, market data analysis, and retail dynamics within the FMCG landscape. You will work closely with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotional activities to meet consumer needs and business objectives. This is a significant career opportunity to influence category performance for a leading company in the heart of Gauteng 's commercial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement national category strategies that drive volume, market share, and profitability for assigned FMCG categories.


• Analyze market data, sales trends, consumer behavior, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and strategic recommendations.


• Optimize product assortment, placement, pricing, and promotional strategies across key retail partners.


• Collaborate closely with sales teams to ensure effective execution of category plans and provide category insights support.


• Work with brand management and marketing teams to align category strategies with brand objectives and new product launches.


• Manage category P&L, ensuring financial targets are met and optimizing return on investment for category activities.


• Build strong working relationships with key retail buyers and category management teams.


• Present category reviews and strategic plans to internal stakeholders and external retail partners.


• Stay abreast of industry best practices, emerging trends, and innovations in category management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.


• A Bachelor's degree with extensive relevant experience will be considered.


• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in category management or a related analytical role within the FMCG industry.


• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing FMCG categories through strategic planning and execution.


• In-depth knowledge of retail dynamics, consumer insights, market data analysis (e.g., Nielsen, IRI), and category management principles.


• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.


• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.


• Proficiency in data analysis tools and relevant software (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, category management software).


• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence decision-making.


• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Sandton, Gauteng .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive executive remuneration package, including a strong base salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as private medical insurance and a retirement annuity. The role provides excellent career development opportunities within a leading FMCG organization, offering exposure to strategic decision-making and market leadership, based in the prime location of Sandton .