Category Development Manager (Consumer Goods)

We are seeking a strategic and data-driven Category Development Manager to lead category growth initiatives within the FMCG industry. The role is responsible for developing category strategies, analyzing shopper and market insights, identifying growth opportunities, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to drive business performance across key retail channels.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in category management, trade marketing, shopper insights, and commercial strategy, with the ability to translate market data into actionable business plans that enhance category growth and customer partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Development

• Develop and implement category growth strategies aligned with company objectives and market opportunities.
• Analyze category performance, consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive activities to identify growth drivers.
• Build category plans that improve sales, profitability, market share, and customer engagement.

Shopper & Consumer Insights

• Utilize market research, syndicated data, and shopper insights to understand purchasing behaviors and retail trends.
• Translate consumer and shopper insights into actionable recommendations for sales and marketing teams.
• Identify opportunities for assortment optimization, pricing, promotions, and shelf visibility improvements.

Customer & Trade Collaboration

• Partner closely with key retail accounts and sales teams to develop customer-specific category solutions.
• Conduct category reviews and business presentations with customers and stakeholders.
• Support joint business planning initiatives with retailers and distributor partners.

Commercial & Retail Execution

• Recommend merchandising strategies, planograms, and promotional programs to maximize category performance.
• Support product launches and innovation initiatives through effective category planning and execution.
• Monitor execution effectiveness across retail channels and recommend improvements.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze sales data, market share, and category performance metrics to provide business insights and recommendations.
• Prepare regular reports, dashboards, and presentations for management and commercial teams.
• Track KPIs related to category growth, distribution, assortment, and promotional effectiveness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with marketing, sales, supply chain, finance, and operations teams to support business objectives.
• Collaborate with external research agencies and retail partners on category-related initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Management, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in category management, trade marketing, sales planning, or commercial strategy within the FMCG industry.
• Strong understanding of retail operations, shopper marketing, and consumer behavior.
• Experience working with market data and analytics tools such as Nielsen, Kantar, or similar platforms is an advantage.
• Excellent analytical, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capability.