Category Manager

About

Our client, a leading player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Category Manager to join their team in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, NG. This is a critical role responsible for driving the growth and profitability of assigned product categories. You will develop and execute category strategies, manage product assortments, pricing, promotions, and supplier relationships to maximize market share and consumer satisfaction.

Key responsibilities include conducting market analysis, identifying consumer trends, and competitor activities to inform category strategies. You will be responsible for sales forecasting, inventory management, and ensuring the optimal product mix is available to meet consumer demand. The Category Manager will work closely with the sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure successful product launches and ongoing category performance. Strong negotiation skills are essential for managing supplier contracts and securing favorable terms. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the FMCG market, excellent analytical skills, and a proven ability to drive commercial success.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic category plans to achieve sales and profitability targets.
• Analyze market data, consumer insights, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities.
• Manage product assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies for assigned categories.
• Oversee sales forecasting and inventory management to ensure product availability.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts and terms.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop and execute effective go-to-market strategies.
• Monitor category performance, identify deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure alignment of category strategy with overall business objectives.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in category management.
• Drive innovation within assigned categories through new product introductions and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related field. An MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management, brand management, or a related role within the FMCG industry.
• Proven track record of driving category growth and profitability.
• Strong understanding of retail and consumer behavior in the FMCG sector.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional to make a significant impact on the success of key product categories in the Nigerian FMCG market.