Category Manager - Confectionery & Snacks

About the Role Our client, a leading retailer in the FMCG space, is seeking a strategic and analytical Category Manager to join their team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This pivotal role involves the end-to-end management of the Groceries & Beverages categories, encompassing product selection, assortment planning, pricing strategies, supplier negotiations, and promotional activities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of consumer purchasing behavior, market trends within the grocery sector, and a proven ability to drive category growth and profitability.

You will be responsible for optimizing the product mix, ensuring competitive pricing, and collaborating with marketing and operations teams to deliver exceptional customer value. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the offerings of a significant retail presence in the Mossel Bay area and contribute to the company's success. The role requires a strong commercial acumen, excellent negotiation skills, and a passion for delivering high-quality products to consumers.

You will play a key part in maintaining and enhancing our client's reputation for providing a wide and appealing selection of groceries and beverages. The hybrid work model offers a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, ensuring a productive and balanced work environment.

• Develop and implement category strategies to drive sales, market share, and profitability for Groceries & Beverages.
• Manage product assortment, ensuring alignment with consumer needs, market trends, and financial targets.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and promotional agreements with suppliers.
• Conduct market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and consumer research to identify opportunities and threats.
• Develop and execute effective pricing and promotional plans to maximize sales and margin.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations, and visual merchandising teams to ensure effective product presentation and campaign execution.
• Monitor inventory levels, manage stock turns, and minimize stockouts and overstocks.
• Analyze category performance data, identifying key drivers of success and areas for improvement.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and company policies within the assigned categories.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in category management, merchandising, or buyer roles within the FMCG or retail sector.
• Proven experience in managing grocery and beverage categories is highly desirable.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and commercial skills.
• Excellent understanding of consumer insights, market trends, and retail operations.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, market data software) and strong financial acumen.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience working in a hybrid work environment.
• Residing in or willing to relocate to Mossel Bay, Western Cape vicinity.

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading retail organization.
• Generous employee discount on company products.
• Contribution to medical aid and retirement fund.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment in Mossel Bay, Western Cape.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.

Our client, a leading player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, is seeking an experienced and strategic Category Manager to join their team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This role is pivotal in driving the growth and profitability of assigned product categories by developing and executing robust category strategies. You will be responsible for understanding market dynamics, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes to optimize product assortment, pricing, promotions, and placement.

This Hybrid role offers a balanced approach, combining essential in-office collaboration in Mossel Bay with the flexibility of remote work, fostering an efficient and productive environment.