Senior Grocery Category Manager — Hybrid

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an analytical and strategic Category Manager to oversee grocery product categories in East London, Eastern Cape. You will manage assortment, pricing, promotions, supplier negotiations, and performance analysis, partnering with sales, marketing, and supply chain.

The role requires a strong FMCG background, customer insights, and a proven track record in growing category profitability. A hybrid work model combines office strategy with field engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Merchandising, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in category management, brand management, or product management in FMCG, grocery focus.
• Strong understanding of retail dynamics, consumer behavior, and market analysis.
• Proficient in category management software, sales data analysis tools, and MS Office Suite.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a Hybrid capacity balancing planning with execution.
• Experience with supplier relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales, profitability and market share in the grocery segment.
• Manage product assortment, pricing and promotions for assigned grocery categories.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis including competitor activity and consumer trends.
• Negotiate with suppliers for favorable terms, pricing, and product innovation.
• Collaborate with sales to ensure effective category representation at retail.
• Work with marketing to develop compelling category marketing plans and campaigns.
• Optimize inventory levels and manage supply chain relationships for availability.
• Analyze sales data and category performance metrics to identify opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and grocery retail trends.

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an analytical and strategic Category Manager to oversee grocery product categories in East London, Eastern Cape. You will manage assortment, pricing, promotions, supplier negotiations, and performance analysis, partnering with sales, marketing, and supply chain.

The role requires a strong FMCG background, customer insights, and a proven track record in growing category profitability. A hybrid work model combines office strategy with field engagement.