Category Growth Manager Food Portfolio-Africa

We are seeking a dynamic Category Growth Manager Food Portfolio responsible for managing and driving growth across key packaged food categories, including pasta products, breakfast cereals, condiments, and culinary seasonings. This role blends strategic brand building with category management and innovation to drive sustainable growth and market leadership. With full category ownership, you will define strategy, deliver on P&L commitments, and develop long-term innovation roadmaps.

Key Responsibilities:

Brand & Portfolio Leadership:

- Define and evolve category architecture while strengthening brand equity across SKUs.

- Develop positioning strategies tailored to diverse consumer segments.

Market & Consumer Insights:

- Analyze industry and shopper trends to identify opportunities.

- Craft competitive strategies to expand market share.

Innovation & Roadmap Development:

- Build 3 to 5 year innovation pipelines covering launches, line extensions, and SKU optimization.

- Lead ideation, validation, and execution of new products.

Demand & Supply Alignment:

- Forecast demand and set stocking plans with supply chain partners.

- Ensure seamless product availability across trade channels.

7Ps & Trade Marketing Execution:

- Drive Product, Price, Place, Promotion, Packaging, Positioning & People strategies.

- Partner with Trade Marketing to deliver impactful in-market activations.

Commercial & Financial Accountability:

- Own category budgets, revenue delivery, and financial projections.

- Align pricing and promotion strategies with Sales to maximize ROI.

Stakeholder & Key Account Management:

- Collaborate with KAMs, retailers, and distributors through joint business planning.

- Conduct regular buyer interactions and store visits for market alignment.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education: Masters degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Finance, or related field (preferred).

Experience:

- 6 to 8 years in the FMCG/Food industry, pasta products, breakfast cereals, condiments, and culinary seasonings.

- Strong track record in brand building, category management, and innovation.

- Prior experience in African markets will be an added advantage, but is not mandatory.

- Core Competencies: Business & Analytical Acumen: P&L management, data-driven planning, and commercial insight.

- Leadership & Collaboration: Influential leadership, cross-functional collaboration, adaptability, and negotiation skills.

- Category Expertise: Deep understanding of food innovation, branding, trade marketing, and consumer activation across GT, MT, and export channels.

We welcome applications from ambitious FMCG professionals who have successfully managed food categories and are ready to take full ownership of strategy, innovation, and growth.