Category Strategy Manager

Job Purpose

Responsible for developing and executing the category strategy for assigned product categories, driving category growth, profitability, and market share through strong collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Trade Marketing, and Customers/Channel Partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and own the category strategy and business plan, aligned with overall commercial and brand objectives.
• Analyze category performance, market share, and shopper/consumer insights to identify growth opportunities.
• Lead category reviews with key customers/retailers, providing data-driven recommendations on assortment, pricing, shelving, and promotions.
• Partner with Trade Marketing and Sales teams to design and implement category plans, planograms, and in-store execution standards.
• Monitor competitor activities, pricing, and promotions to recommend counter-strategies.
• Collaborate with Marketing on new product launches, ensuring category-fit positioning and distribution plans.
• Manage category P&L, including volume, revenue, and margin targets.
• Build strong relationships with key accounts/customers to influence category-level decisions.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to leadership on category performance and market trends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or related field.
• At least 3–5 years of experience in category management, trade marketing, or sales within FMCG.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using category management tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI) and data analysis.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to translate data/insights into actionable category strategies.
• Experience working with modern trade and/or general trade accounts is an advantage.