Senior Category Manager - Fast-Moving Consumer Goods

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Travel opportunities and training

Leadership development

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg seeks a Senior Category Manager to lead category strategy development and execution across FMCG portfolios. You will drive growth, pricing, promotions and shopper insights with cross-functional teams including sales, marketing and supply chain.

You will influence national category performance, mentor team members and contribute to sustained profitability in a dynamic market. Hybrid work model in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Marketing; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years in category or brand management in FMCG.
• Proven track record developing and executing category strategies.
• Strong understanding of retail environments and consumer behavior.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with financial analysis and P&L management.
• Proficiency with market data tools such as Nielsen and IRI.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment in Johannesburg.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies aligned with objectives.
• Conduct market analysis, benchmarking and consumer insights to identify growth.
• Manage product lifecycle including new introductions and portfolio optimization.
• Develop pricing strategies and promotional plans to maximise profitability.
• Collaborate with sales for in-store execution and distribution.
• Work with marketing to create brand communication and campaigns.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate favorable terms.
• Monitor category performance with KPIs and report to senior management.
• Lead and mentor junior category team members.

Skills

Category management

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Analytics

Communication

Interpersonal skills

P&L management

Retail knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing

MBA (preferred)

Tools

Nielsen

IRI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading international player in the FMCG sector, is seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Category Manager to lead their team in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This pivotal role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that drive profitable growth, market share, and brand equity. You will manage a diverse portfolio of products, identifying consumer trends, competitive dynamics, and market opportunities to inform strategic decisions. The Senior Category Manager will work closely with sales, marketing, supply chain, and finance departments to ensure seamless execution of category plans. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven professional to make a significant impact within a dynamic and fast-paced industry. Our client is committed to innovation, sustainability, and fostering a high-performance culture. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of the FMCG market, and exceptional leadership capabilities. Based in Johannesburg, you will be at the heart of South Africa's commercial hub, influencing national category performance. We encourage proactive engagement with cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious commercial objectives. This role offers substantial responsibility and the chance to shape the future of key product categories.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Conduct market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage the product lifecycle, including new product introductions and portfolio optimization.
• Develop pricing strategies and promotional plans to maximize sales and profitability.
• Collaborate with the sales team to ensure effective in-store execution and distribution.
• Work with marketing teams to develop compelling brand communication and advertising campaigns.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate favorable terms and conditions.
• Monitor category performance against key metrics and KPIs, reporting to senior management.
• Identify and leverage market trends and consumer needs to drive product innovation.
• Lead and mentor junior category team members, fostering their professional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in category management or brand management within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful category strategies.
• Strong understanding of retail environments, consumer behavior, and market dynamics.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with financial analysis and P&L management.
• Proficiency in market data analysis tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI).
• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment in Johannesburg.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and annual bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous product discounts and employee benefits.
• Opportunities for international and domestic travel.
• Professional development programs and leadership training.
• Be part of a dynamic and innovative FMCG company.
• Contribute significantly to category success in the Gauteng market.
• Supportive work environment fostering career growth.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.