Assistant Category Manager - FMCG

Job Summary:

The Assistant Category Manager supports the development and execution of category strategies to improve sales growth, profitability, market presence, and operational performance across assigned brands and product categories.

The role works closely with sales teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to optimize category performance, monitor market trends, manage promotional activities, and ensure effective execution of business plans.

The Assistant Category Manager plays a critical role in supporting category growth, improving operational efficiency, maximizing promotional effectiveness, and ensuring alignment between category objectives and commercial execution.

Main Responsibilities:

• Support the development and execution of annual sales and category plans in coordination with the sales team and aligned with business objectives
• Monitor category performance, sales trends, stock movement, and IMS data, and recommend corrective actions when needed
• Assist in defining promotional SKUs and category initiatives in line with category and brand strategies
• Assist in managing trade marketing plans (TMPs), budgets, promotional spending, and claims to maximize return on investment
• Coordinate with suppliers regarding category activities, performance updates, business reviews, and operational requirements under the guidance of the Senior Category Manager
• Prepare and share sales performance updates and insights with internal stakeholders and suppliers
• Support supplier visits, market visits, and coordination of sales route plans when required
• Prepare and maintain category performance reports, sales updates, coverage reports, stock ageing reports, and business review presentations for management and suppliers
• Analyze sales and market trends to support category decision-making
• Track slow-moving items and support implementation of corrective action plans to improve inventory health
• Participate in S&OP meetings to monitor stock levels, shipments, product availability, and in-market execution activities
• Support monitoring of stock availability and inventory efficiency
• Assist in corrective actions related to stock aging and slow-moving inventory
• Support the management of POS materials and follow up with sales teams and merchandisers to ensure effective in-store execution and visibility
• Monitor planogram compliance and ensure alignment with category guidelines and customer requirements
• Support market execution activities to improve category visibility and performance

Skills

Educational and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field
• 3–5 years of experience in category management, brand management, trade marketing, or FMCG commercial operations
• Experience within the FMCG industry is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of Power BI or similar reporting and analytics tools
• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities

Skills & Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze category trends, sales performance, and market data.
• Commercial Awareness: Strong understanding of category performance drivers and market dynamics.
• Communication: Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to coordinate multiple category activities effectively.
• Proactiveness: Ability to identify issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Technical: Ability to work effectively with suppliers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders.