Job Description/Specification:
We are seeking an experienced Category Manager to develop and execute category strategies that drive sales growth, improve profitability and strengthen the company’s competitive position within the FMCG, food and beverage sector.
The successful candidate will combine market intelligence, supplier management and data analytics to identify growth opportunities, optimize product categories and develop commercially effective plans aligned with overall business objectives.
About This Role
The Category Manager will be responsible for managing category performance from strategy development through execution. The role involves analyzing market and consumer trends, monitoring competitors, negotiating with suppliers and using data-driven insights to improve assortment, pricing and promotional activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct detailed market and category analysis to identify trends, customer needs and growth opportunities.
- Develop and implement category strategies and annual plans aligned with business objectives.
- Analyze category performance, sales trends, margins and profitability to identify improvement opportunities.
- Collaborate with suppliers to negotiate pricing, commercial terms, promotions and product offerings.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure competitive products and commercial conditions.
- Monitor competitor pricing, product ranges, promotions and market activities.
- Proactively adjust category strategies based on market developments and competitive intelligence.
- Support product assortment, pricing and promotional decisions using reliable market and sales data.
- Prepare category performance reports and present insights and recommendations to management.
- Work closely with procurement, logistics, supply chain, sales and marketing teams to ensure effective category execution.
- Identify opportunities to improve sales, margins, inventory performance and overall category profitability.
Minimum Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management or a related field.
- MBA is an advantage.
Experience
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in Category Management, Procurement, Purchasing or a related commercial function.
- Experience within FMCG, retail, food or beverage industries is preferred.
- Strong experience in supplier negotiations, category planning and commercial analysis.
- Proven ability to use data and market insights to support business decisions.
Certifications
- Professional certification in Category Management is an advantage.
Technical Skills
- Category Management
- Category Strategy & Planning
- Procurement & Purchasing
- Supplier Management
- Supplier Negotiation
- Market & Competitor Analysis
- Sales & Profitability Analysis
- Pricing & Promotions
- FMCG / Consumer Goods
- Data Analytics
- Microsoft Excel
- Tableau or similar BI tools
- Performance Reporting
- Supply Chain Coordination
Desired Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate should be commercially focused, analytical and strategically minded, with the ability to translate market data and consumer trends into actionable category strategies. Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder-management skills are essential.
Candidates with experience managing categories within FMCG, food, beverage or retail environments and a strong understanding of supply chain and procurement processes will be preferred.