Job Description

Category Manager - Gardens,WCob DescriptionCategory SpecialistArea: Bellville, Cape TownPackage: R55000 Cost to Company (Inclusive of medical aid and provident fund) per monthDuties & ResponsibilitiesThe role reports to the Marketing Manager. Location is in Cape Town, with travels for research projects, internal meetings, industry events and customer visits.Duties & ResponsibilitiesTo build and follow-up the Category strategy in all consumer channels (FMCG, DIY, Stationery, Digital/Websites)To define the Margin level and Retail Price positioning of the CategoryTo participate in the NPD roadmap in collaboration with R&D, other SUxe2x80x99s and regions/countriesGlobal product management, development and maintenance within the Category for the Consumer channelsDesign and re-design packaging layouts for Consumer productsGlobal Innovation roll-out managementAligning best POS practices with Global Consumer marketSupport new Market developmentTo ensure the Margin level and Retail Price positioning of the Category is aligned with company expectations Category / Channel strategy:Contribute to the 5-year strategic plan, in line with annual global roadmaps, in collaboration with regions/countriesFollow-up the annual roadmap with regions/countriesMeasure KPIxe2x80x99s and track the progress in the regionsVisit the regions/countries to stay up to date with market developmentVisit trade showsCategory management:Monitor GP/MVC targets and define corrective action plans when neededParticipate in pricing alignment within Global accounts, channels and marketsAnalyse competition, our performance and our product offer, and make adaptations in order to ensure a winning category offerFollow up with the regions on the category performance and collaborate on initiatives to support the agreed roadmapHelp the region in shelf planning and share global best POS execution practicesEnsure Brand and Packaging consistency within the CategoryProduct development:Manage the NPD process, be involved in the R&D process validation for the category/channel projectsFeed the NPD process with news, ideas and ensure a well filled pipelineBuild R&D or Purchasing programs in collaboration with other SUxe2x80x99s in order to optimize the cost and product offering with the CategoryTogether with Purchasing, R&D develop new concepts with external suppliersPackaging / Layout design:Update the designs within the category, to ensure distinctiveness and competitive advantageApproval of local packaging designs within the category, ensuring a global layout, branding and product name consistencyportfolio with new and innovative packaging formats; assess industry trends and identify relevant suppliersConduct consumer tests to ensure market acceptanceTrade support:Monitor RSPxe2x80x99s and define corrective action plans when neededAnalyse competition, our performance and our product offer, and make adaptations in order to ensure we winSkills & Requirements5-year strategic Category / Channel planAnnual Roll Out planTurnover and GP/ MVC performance of the CategoryGlobal Category / channel Marketing BudgetWell managed NPD and Innovation processFMCG and Hardware marketing experience would be beneficialGood solid understanding of the retail environmentProduct development and category management is essential and not negotiable.Degree in Marketing, Business administration or a related fieldAbility to think on Strategic levelGood communicator I Team player I High degree of fluency in EnglishDemonstrated experience in scoping and conducting quantitative and qualitative market studiesComfortable with figures and analysis, in particular for market dataDetail-oriented with an ability to creatively and clearly present market trends and research findings in written, graphical and verbal formatsAwareness of key trends, customers, competitors in DIY/Consumer and adjacent markets (Construction, Retail etc.)Self-starter able to flourish in a fast-paced and flexible environmentGood interpersonal skills and an ability to identify sources of market intelligence from both internal and external networks insightsSkillsMarketing, Product Development, Insight, Interpersonal Skill, Product Management, Good Communicator, R&d, Flexible, Branding, Detail-oriented, Trends, Interpersonal Skills

JTJ Group