Senior Category Manager - FMCG

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Remote-first environment

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 invites a Senior Category Manager to lead a key FMCG category in a remote-first setup across South Africa. You will drive category growth, optimize assortment, pricing, and promotions using market insights and supplier relationships.

You will partner with marketing, sales, and supply chain, develop merchandising strategies, manage planograms, monitor performance, and present reviews to senior leadership. A bachelor’s degree and 6+ years in category management are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or related field.
• 6+ years in category management or FMCG.
• Proven track record of growing product categories.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies to drive sales and profitability.
• Analyze category performance, consumer trends, and competitive activities to identify opportunities and risks.
• Manage product assortment, planograms, pricing, and promotional strategies for the assigned category.
• Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring product availability.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and supply chain teams to align category initiatives with business goals.
• Monitor inventory levels and work with supply chain to optimize stock management.
• Identify new product opportunities and trends to expand the category offering.
• Present category performance reviews and strategic plans to senior management.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic mindset

Negotiation

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Marketing/Economics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is actively seeking a strategic and analytical Senior Category Manager to oversee a key product category. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving category growth, developing effective merchandising strategies, and managing supplier relationships to optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotions. You will leverage market insights, consumer data, and competitive analysis to make informed decisions that enhance profitability and customer satisfaction. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in a remote-first environment, contributing directly to the success of our client's brand portfolio. We are looking for a proactive leader with a keen understanding of retail dynamics and a proven ability to manage and grow product categories effectively. Your strategic vision and data-driven approach will be key to succeeding in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies to drive sales, market share, and profitability.
• Analyze category performance, consumer trends, and competitive activities to identify opportunities and risks.
• Manage product assortment, planograms, pricing, and promotional strategies for the assigned category.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring product availability.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and supply chain teams to align category initiatives with overall business goals.
• Monitor inventory levels and work with supply chain to optimize stock management.
• Identify new product opportunities and trends to expand the category offering.
• Present category performance reviews and strategic plans to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management or a similar role within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing product categories.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and derive actionable insights.
• Excellent understanding of retail operations, merchandising, and promotional strategies.
• Proficiency in using data analysis tools and category management software.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment, demonstrating excellent organizational and time management skills.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses and opportunities for professional growth.
• As a fully remote role, you will enjoy significant flexibility and work-life balance, with the autonomy to manage your work from any location in South Africa.
• Access to cutting-edge market intelligence tools and resources is provided.
• Join our client's dynamic team and contribute to their category success from the convenience of your home office.