Category Development Manager

The Category Development Manager shapes the strategic direction and governance of the sub-category, driving sustainable growth through data-driven planning, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration. This role focuses on key commercial levers, oversees the category P&L, and leads new product launch initiatives, ensuring stakeholder alignment and flawless execution across the organization.

Sub-Category Leadership (Strategic Foundation)

• Define and drive the strategic direction of the sub-category.
• Lead annual business planning and long-range planning processes.
• Influence target-setting to balance ambition with achievability.
• Conduct regular performance reviews to assess trends, competitive dynamics, and overall category health.
• Identify growth opportunities and diagnose sub-category challenges.
• Prioritize key commercial levers and tactics to achieve targets.
• Champion bold, high-impact initiatives.
• Build business cases for NPLs and exploratory projects to evaluate innovation potential.
• Partner with Revenue Growth Management to align pricing and pack architecture.
• Manage the sub-category P&L to deliver financial objectives and optimize resource allocation.
• Continuously refine the sub-category’s role within the broader commercial strategy.

Cross-Functional & Network Collaboration (Alignment & Governance)

• Facilitate regular touchpoints with support functions to ensure alignment and integration.
• Drive strategic governance through structured planning and decision-making forums.
• Influence senior and country leadership teams to secure buy-in for category direction.
• Collaborate with Operating Units to align brand priorities and secure resources.
• Integrate relevant OU initiatives into local strategies for consistency and relevance.
• Lead structured marketing routines to ensure timely execution, performance tracking, and alignment of category plans across the organization.

Project & Innovation Planning (Execution & Delivery)

• Lead the end-to-end development and planning of new product launches, including:
• Building volume forecasts and securing endorsements
• Coordinating key visuals and creative assets
• Developing artwork briefs and securing design approvals
• Preparing sell-in decks and product launch stories
• Completing sales toolkits and sampling strategies
• Driving employee engagement and stakeholder alignment
• Ensure launch readiness by managing timelines, production requirements, raw materials, and packaging availability.
• Oversee finished goods production and deployment to market.
• Trigger system readiness for new product launches and monitor execution.
• Collaborate with channel teams to align below-the-line marketing support and activation.

Job Specifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in category management, with exposure to planning, execution, and performance tracking.
• Experience in FMCG Food industry is highly desirable and considered an advantage.
• Bachelor’s degree holder in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.