Category Manager

A company based in Montague Gardens, Cape Town is looking for a qualified and experienced Category Manager.

Key Job Functions

Strategy
- Define and execute category strategy (defining the detail for the company direction for the various categories)
- Accountable for Commercial, Product, tech. (3-year view)
- ( Range analysis)
- Margin accretive and growth targets

Operational Execution
- Setting & Achieving monthly commercial targets per category
- Budget
- CPA management and on-time launch
- Tracking newlines against forecast
- (PIR)
- Forecast and planning - input
- Annual promotional plans
- Management of price book & GP - including all new products
- Stock management
- executing the plan internally and with customers.
- Sales and category performance against annual plan and budget
- understanding impacts and implementing corrective action where needed
- Management of agreement of eliminations
- Projection and management of marketing and promotional expenses and tallies
- Management of funds where applicable
- Management of debtors claims

Leadership & Management

Internal
- Achievement of targets and strategy
- Living the core values
- Engaged workforce
- Talent and succession planning (input into KPA’s and growth plans)
- Cross-functional alignment and team building
- Clear and effective communication

External
- Management of relationships with customers and suppliers
- Lead operational team, accountable for team performance
- Own the relationship with operational teams. (present plan on how they want to achieve this, frequency, support, who attends, ensure effectiveness, set agendas, ensuring team meet deliverables)
- Cultivate strong partnering bonds aligned to mutually agreed on strategic objectives with customers

Knowledge and Experience Required
- Relevant Degree/similar qualification in Food Preparation/ Marketing / Consumer Science or commercial
- Experience leading a high performing team in a commercial environment
- Experience within the FMCG industry essential
- Understanding FMCG and wholesale and retail market dynamics
- Knowledge of relevant regulatory systems, policies and legislation
- Knowledge of food procedures, processes and requirements
- Knowledge of category strategy formulation and category planning
- Knowledge of commercial and financial trade-offs in category sales
- Understanding of foods, trends and customer segmentation and shopper behaviour.
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of the food business globally
- Advanced skills in MS PowerPoint and Excel are required
- Excellent command of English, strong communication and excellent presentation skills
- Knowledge of technical processes, principles and label legislation is advantageous
- Knowledge of customer technical requirements and processes
- Knowledge of customer satisfaction management
- Valid Passport and Drivers Licence

Person Profile, Skills and Attitude
- Able to build and maintain strong working relationships
- Excellent customer service attitude.
- Good communication skills both verbally and written
- Displays a concern for business values and ethical standards
- Passion for achieving excellence
- Sets high personal standards, is focused and self-motivated
- Ability to work in a high-pressured environment
- Attention to detail is essential which will include accuracy and speed in execution.
- Good time management skills.
- A team player with strong interpersonal skills.
- “Can do” attitude
- Enjoy tasting foods

Key Competencies
- Quality Delivery
- Adapting to Change
- Interpersonal Relations
- Planning and organising
- Taking Initiative

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: R 55 000 Total Cost to Company per month

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Education**:

- Bachelors (required)