Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy and Development
- Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive category strategies for the portfolio to drive sales growth and market share.
- Identify growth opportunities within the category based on market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitive analysis.
- Collaborate with marketing teams to define brand positioning and communication strategies specific to the category.
Trade Marketing Execution
- Design and execute trade marketing activities, including promotional campaigns, merchandising strategies, and category-focused activations.
- Manage in-store execution plans for general trade and key accounts and ensure alignment with the overall category strategy.
- Define outlets activation standards and point-of-sale (POS) materials and ensure their timely distribution to enhance product visibility in stores.
Customer & Channel Development
- Partner with the sales team to develop region-specific category growth plans for the different retail channels (e.g., modern trade, general trade, e-commerce…)
- Conduct regular reviews with key trade partners to optimize category performance and implement category management principles.
- Ensure s are well-positioned in the assortment mix of retailers and collaborate on shelf space optimization.
Market Intelligence and Reporting
- Conduct ongoing competitive and pricing analysis and monitor market trends to keep the category strategy aligned with evolving market dynamics.
- Provide regular reports on category performance, identifying risks and opportunities, and recommending action plans.
- Work closely with the finance team to track and monitor the profitability of the category.
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with the sales, supply chain, and demand planning teams to ensure product availability, optimal stock levels, and timely product launches.
- Support the new product development (NPD) process for the category by providing market insights and trade feedback.
- Work with the marketing team to develop and execute go-to-market plans for new products.
- Coach and mentor younger sales employees and foster a performance driven culture.
Job Requirements
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in any discipline
Job Experience / Requirements
- Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Sales or Trade Marketing with a demonstrable record of success in a category development role
Key Competency and Skills Requirements
- Proven experience in category development
- Strong communication, Presentation and Negotiation skills
- Strong Analytical Skills
- Competitive intelligence, Shopper, channel trends, use of Nielsen and Kantar
- Basic Finance