Category Manager at RCL Foods

Job Description    

• We at RCL Foods have recently relaunched our purpose to “We Grow What Matters”.
• We are a deeply rooted South African business, and we believe our country will thrive when we collectively grow what matters. Our purpose is anchored in a culture of empowerment and accountability, with uncompromising integrity at its heart. We are inspired by our unwavering commitment to "Grow What Matters,", placing People, Growth and Sustainability at the forefront of everything we do.
• We have an opportunity for a Category Manager within our Customer Marketing function. The role will be based in Westville and report to the Customer Marketing Executive.
• The key purpose of this role is to facilitate collaboration between the customer, distributor and internal stakeholders to drive category growth within the Food Service Channel. The role also includes brand management of all Food Service channel specific brands.

Minimum Requirements

• A degree or diploma in marketing or business management (3 years)
• 3 years relevant experience in a similar environment
• Valid Code EB drivers’ licence

Duties & Responsibilities    
Main Responsibilities

• Category Planning
• Support the annual business planning process through data analysis, insights and identification of growth opportunities
• Develop proposals and recommendations for customers in executing category management projects., including NRM (Net Revenue Management) initiatives
• Liaise with the operations team to ensure smooth implementation
• Category Management
• Measure and review category performance; margins and customer profitability
• Analyse shelf health, pricing data, product availability and visibility; consolidate feedback into actionable plans for the customer team to implement
• Execute brand standards (brand DNA) and support development
• Conduct periodic reviews of planograms and ranging to ensure maximised shelf efficiency
• Continuous monitoring of competitor landscape
• Brand Management
• Management of Food Service channel specific brands
• Responsible for brand growth through innovation, promotion and support plans
•  Innovation & Go to Market
• Manage Food Service channel specific & Customer specific product development against project timelines
• Develop and execute new product launch plans, including tracking
• Prepare Category stories and Trade presentations
• Information Analysis, Management and Reporting
• Analyse and interpret key data to provide feedback on category performance and drive actions into the future
• Compile and consolidate business reports, presentations and category performance analysis (incl. causes of deviation) with an eye on NRM practices
• Customer Relationship Management
• Ensure that critical customer information is available to the customer team
• Prepare, analyse and present category reviews to customers and interact with customers on assortment analysis, category performance and ranging
• Financial Management
• Manage the trade spend budgets within agreed limits and ensure that all initiatives are shown to be commercially sound
• Execute NRM Program, as per business agreed targets
• Understand key drivers of profitability and revenue growth to achieve financial targets
• People Management
• Required to co-ordinate efforts of and deliver results through cross-functional teams made up of both direct reports and non-reports/ peers
• Responsible for developing workplans and assessments for direct reports

KPI’s

• Business Growth Targets – volume, revenue and profit
• Execution of customer plans
• Shelf space and product availability
• Accuracy of reporting