Category Development Manager at Sonia Foods Industries

Job Summary

• The Category Development Manager is responsible for driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, and developing tailored strategies that increase market share, boost sales performance, and enhance profitability across assigned regions.
• This role requires strong analytical capability, market insight, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to execute winning category strategies.

Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Planning:

• Develop and implement category growth strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Conduct market and competitor analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and threats.
• Recommend channel-specific category initiatives for the General Trade, Modern Trade, and HORECA.

Product Assortment & Merchandising:

• Define and optimize SKU assortment per channel, region, and customer type.
• Lead category visibility initiatives such as planograms, POS materials, and display execution.
• Ensure consistent brand presence and shelf standards across Lagos & Oyo markets.

Trade Marketing & Promotions:

• Plan and execute trade promotions to drive volume, penetration, and brand awareness.
• Evaluate promotion performance and provide insight-driven recommendations.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to ensure seamless activation across channels.

Sales Support & Collaboration:

• Work closely with regional sales managers, TSMs, and key account teams to deliver category priorities.
• Provide category training, market insight, and data-driven guidance to the sales team.
• Track competitor activities and provide timely intelligence for strategic response.

Data Analytics & Reporting:

• Analyze sales data, category performance, and market share trends.
• Develop monthly category dashboards and performance presentations.
• Recommend actions that improve distribution, share of shelf, and revenue growth.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, economics, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in category management, trade marketing, or Sales within FMCG.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets and data interpretation.
• Experience working across Lagos and/or Oyo markets is an advantage.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder-management skills.

Key Competencies:

• Category & Channel Knowledge
• Market & Consumer Insight
• Analytical Thinking
• Project Management
• Negotiation & Influencing Skills
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Result Orientation

Work Conditions

• Respective candidates must be based in Lagos and Oyo.
• Field visits are required to monitor merchandising and execution.