Mackenzie Jones Middle East Looking for Category Manager – Snacks at Saudi , Jeddah Full Time

Job Purpose

• Drive Category Growth by developing and implementing robust category strategy & plans to generate sales, profits and build brand market share & equity. The role will bring strong category focus to drive growth agenda across all markets & key channels.

Key Responsibilities:

Management:

• Manage the effective achievement of Marketing objectives through the leadership of the category– setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing, and motivating staff, provision of formal and informal feedback and appraisal – in order to maximize subordinate performance. Supervises the day-to-day operations of Marketing to ensure that work processes are implemented as designed and comply with established policies, processes, and procedures.

Portfolio Performance:

• Manage the business and achieve all KPIs for the Snacks Category.
• Confirm and recommend pricing analysis to optimize profit in a competitive environment. Manages product costs and selling price to ensure budgeted margins are achieved.

Category, Consumer & Market Tracking / Insights:

• Use the Retail Audit portfolio data with effective analysis in identifying market opportunities.
• Manages major consumer research projects including ICP & CPT.
• Field Visits to explore opportunities and market pulse.
• Continuous tracking of competitor activities and potential impact on the portfolio and develops strategy that will minimize the impact on the business.

Sales Analysis / Deep Dives:

• Monitor volume share and distribution information on an on-going basis (through Internal resources e.g., in-market sales & distribution reports) regarding the product portfolio to identify trends, and to track actual performance against Budget and competition.
• Recommend to line manager action plans to reverse negative trends or enhance performance.

Business Planning:

• Assist Marketing Director in developing a 5-year strategic plan with volume and Revenue forecast.
• Develop Category Strategy and Annual business plan by channel and by market.
• Develop promotion plan and calendar and implement the planned promotions / engagement program.
• Collaborate with Key account team to develop customized business plan and secure annual commercial deal with all major Key chain account customers (both local and international chains).

Advertisement & promotions:

• Develop & implement effective advertising & promotional campaigns for the brands assigned by working with agencies with creativity and in line with strategic direction.

New Product Development & Roll-Out (from Idea stage to launch stage):

• Manages the annual NPD projects ensuring that projects are delivered on time and on budget.
• Manages the individual NPD briefs and CPS schedule.
• Validate and ensure NPD meets consumer expectations, by conducting primary research as required.
• Manages cross-functionally each NPD Project and updates key stakeholders at NPD Meeting.
• Implement NPD rollouts supported with strong road shows and launch Kit for sales operations team.

Sales forecast:

• Input to accurate sales forecasts by participating actively in the periodic forecasting process.

Control of Marketing Spent Budget:

• Prepare and recommend the Marketing budget and monitor financial performance versus the budget.

Key Requirements:

• B.S. Degree in Management with preferably a Marketing / MBA.
• 10 years relevant experience in a major fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) with proven experience in a multi-national or local leading-edge company.
• Excellent background in Snacks marketing.
• Good knowledge on sales fundamentals.
• MS Office knowledge.
• Good track of record on leading brand media planning and masters all media fundamentals.
• Lead at least 2 important product launches successfully.
• Good communication skills.
• Strong commercial marketing experience in FMCG industry.
• Experience of working with advertising & research agencies.
• Proficiency in English & Arabic.
• Knowledge of local consumers’ habits & culture.
• Candidates need to be bilingual (Arabic Speakers)

*ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED*