Category Manager

Our client, a global manufacturer of speciality chemicals is looking to hire a Category Manager based in Cape Town

Duties and Responsibilities:

Category Strategy & Management

• Develop and execute the category strategy across consumer channels, including FMCG, DIY, Stationery, and Digital.
• Define and manage retail pricing and margin strategies in alignment with company targets.
• Collaborate on the 5-year strategic plan and annual roadmaps with regional and country teams.
• Monitor category performance KPIs and lead corrective initiatives where required.
• Conduct market visits and attend trade shows to stay informed on industry trends and competitor activity.

Product & Portfolio Development

• Drive global product development and lifecycle management for the consumer category.
• Contribute to the new product development (NPD) roadmap, working closely with R&D and cross-functional teams.
• Generate and assess new product ideas, ensuring a robust and innovative pipeline.
• Lead cost-optimisation and product enhancement programs in collaboration with R&D, Purchasing, and other strategic units.

Packaging & Design

• Lead the creation and refresh of packaging designs to ensure visual appeal, brand consistency, and market competitiveness.
• Approve regional packaging submissions, ensuring global branding, layout, and naming conventions are maintained.
• Identify innovative packaging solutions through trend analysis and supplier collaboration.
• Conduct consumer testing to validate packaging and product appeal.

Innovation & Market Development

• Manage the global rollout of innovation projects across all relevant consumer channels.
• Support the entry into new markets with tailored strategies and assets.
• Share global best practices in POS execution and assist with local shelf planning.

Trade & Channel Support

• Analyse retail pricing and implement adjustments to remain competitive.
• Benchmark against competitors and adapt category offerings accordingly.
• Support global pricing alignment across accounts, channels, and markets.
• Ensure packaging and branding consistency across all touchpoints.

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 4-6 years of proven experience in a marketing role, preferably within the consumer or retail sector.
• Experience working in a global or multinational environment is advantageous.
• Excellent command of English, both written and verbal.
• Strong background in designing and executing both quantitative and qualitative market research.
• Solid understanding of market trends, customer behaviour, and competitive landscape in the DIY, consumer goods, and adjacent sectors such as construction and retail.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate insights into actionable plans.
• Effective communicator with strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional environments.
• Comfortable working with data, particularly in analysing market research tools such as GfK.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to present insights clearly and creatively across visual, written, and verbal formats.
• Skilled at sourcing and leveraging market intelligence from both internal stakeholders and external networks.
• Creative, adaptable, and thrives in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Proactive self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and initiative

Salary:

• A competitive salary on offer