Category Manager

This position drives the development of Categories through category analysis and implementation of Country marketing plan & strategy.

Main responsibilities:

• Keep track, evaluate, communicate changes in categories, customer dynamics and recommend action steps
• Create and implement Category Management projects with Key Accounts
• Lead & drive Category development projects
• Support organization with category management & marketing expertise
• Support the marketing team in key projects with Key Accounts
• Support the sales organization with category management expertise

In detail:

• Understand thoroughly the Russian market for required categories
• Category development tools: instore navigation, assortment analysis, shelf space management
• Develop category & new launches selling stories, tailored for top retailers
• Minimum Stock List management
• NPI/NPD evaluation and support
• Shelving& Merchandising guidelines. Trainings for Field Force
• Support the Key Accounts with Category management projects to achieve sales and growth objective
• Ensure implementation of sales & marketing cycle plans based on agreed annual business plan
• Support commercial team with category, sales, trade marketing and market knowledge
• Build platform among Key Customers for long-term business growth by providing superior support and excellence in execution
• · Build platform among consumers by providing them with programs meeting their needs
• Proactively drive the export of ideas, programs & success stories from / to other Key Customers
• Build relationship with Marketing & Key Opinion Leaders
• Work closely with agencies and external suppliers

Job Requirements:

• Higher education
• 3 years + of commercial experience (preferably international FMCG in category development management)
• Solid sales & marketing knowledge & experience
• Trade marketing knowledge
• Financial understanding of running a business (P&L management)
• Understand and anticipate customers’ needs and have a strong customer focus
• Be able to effectively manage external relationships to ensure the timely delivery of appropriate tools, materials and support
• Understand how to effectively measure Category management project
• Excellent presentation skills
• English upper-intermediate
• Knowledge of Nielsen/Iquvia Data base, knowledge of Spaceman