Role Overview :

As a Category Head for our FMCG division in Nigeria, you will be instrumental in shaping the market landscape for a portfolio of leading brands. This pivotal role involves end-to-end ownership of category strategy, from deep market analysis and consumer insights to product lifecycle management, pricing, promotion, and distribution. You will collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams including Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance, as well as external partners and distributors, to ensure robust market penetration and sustained growth.

Your strategic vision and execution will directly impact our market share, profitability, and brand equity, driving significant business outcomes and enhancing customer value in a dynamic and competitive international market.

Key Responsibilities :

- Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies tailored for the Nigerian market, aligning with overall business objectives to achieve aggressive growth targets.

- Manage the category's P&L, meticulously tracking performance against revenue, margin, and market share goals, and implementing corrective actions as needed.

- Conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis, identifying emerging consumer trends, unmet needs, and strategic opportunities to innovate and differentiate.

- Lead the product portfolio management, including new product development, localization, and optimization of existing SKUs to maximize relevance and profitability.

- Design and implement effective pricing strategies, promotional campaigns, and trade marketing initiatives to drive sales volume and brand visibility across all channels.

- Collaborate closely with the Sales team to ensure optimal product distribution, merchandising, and in-store execution, fostering strong relationships with key retail partners.

- Oversee inventory management and supply chain coordination to ensure product availability while minimizing costs and mitigating risks in a complex operational environment.

- Mentor and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the category management function.

Required Skillset :

- Demonstrated expertise in FMCG category management, with a proven track record of 8-10 years in driving significant market share and profitability in dynamic markets.

- Strong financial acumen with extensive experience in P&L ownership, budget management, and strategic forecasting within a fast-paced consumer goods environment.

- Exceptional leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels and building consensus across diverse teams.

- Superior analytical abilities to interpret complex market data, consumer insights, and sales performance metrics into actionable strategies and business decisions.

- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, adept at managing external partnerships, vendor relationships, and presenting strategic plans to senior leadership.

- An MBA from a premier institution is highly preferred, coupled with a deep understanding of market entry and growth strategies in emerging economies, particularly in Africa.

- Proven adaptability and resilience to operate effectively in an international setting, navigating cultural nuances and logistical challenges inherent to the Nigerian market.