Category Manager (FMCG Industry)

Role Overview The Category Development Manager is responsible for driving the long-term growth and competitiveness of assigned product categories through clear strategies, innovation initiatives, and strong trade execution. This role leads category thinking across product development, go-to-market planning, and in-market activation. The position partners closely with cross-functional teams to unlock new growth opportunities beyond channels alone. Qualifications Bachelors degree in Business, Marketing, Management, or a related field; MBA or equivalent is an advantage Minimum of 5–8 years of experience within the FMCG industry, with proven exposure to category development, trade marketing, or commercial strategy Strong background in category management, innovation planning, and product development Demonstrated experience driving category strategies across both traditional and modern trade environments Solid understanding of shopper behavior, market trends, and competitive dynamics Experience collaborating with Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, and R&D teams Background should not be limited to Digital or E-commerce; must include broader FMCG commercial exposure Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills Duties & Responsibilities Lead the development and execution of category strategies to deliver sustainable growth and profitability Drive innovation pipelines for assigned categories, including new product development, renovation, and range optimization Translate consumer, shopper, and market insights into actionable category plans and initiatives Partner with Marketing and R&D teams to shape product concepts, positioning, and launch strategies Work closely with Trade Marketing and Sales to ensure strong in-market execution and alignment with category priorities Identify white spaces and growth opportunities across price tiers, formats, and usage occasions Monitor category performance, competitive movements, and market trends to refine strategies Champion cross-functional initiatives that strengthen category leadership and commercial effectiveness Develop category frameworks, guidelines, and playbooks to support consistent execution across markets