Description
Purpose of the job:
As the Category Strategy Manager, incumbent’s primary objective will be to develop and execute strategic initiatives to drive growth and maximize market share across Central Asia & Caucasus markets. He/She will work closely with cross-functional teams to analyze market trends, consumer insights, and competitive landscape, translating them into actionable category strategies to improve sales results and deliver customer category objectives, to define unaddressed consumer needs (“white space)” and to strengthen current/core business to contribute to overall growth of the company. He/she will also be leading annual commercial planning.This role reports to CIS Category Strategy & Market Development DirectorJob Requirements:
Category Strategy & Growth planningDefining near/long-term category strategy for the personal, grounded in market data, competitive analysis, shopper/consumer trendsLeading category segmentation, role definition & category visioning across markets/channelsDevelop and evolve pack-price architecture, new product innovation impact on MS dynamicsDevelop and manage pricing strategyCategory Strategy & Growth planningMonitor, evaluate & communicate changes in category, customer dynamics and competitor activities and recommend actions to address issues and opportunities affecting the category and/or KC brands Defining near/long-term category strategy for the personal, grounded in market data, competitive analysis, shopper/consumer trends Manage category performance across key metrics: market share, penetration, in-market sales (in value and volume)Identify gaps and opportunities across subcategories and sales channelsLeading category segmentation, role definition & category visioning across markets/channelsDevelop and evolve pack-price architecture, new product innovation impact on MS dynamics, assessment of potential cannibalization rates.Commercial and Portfolio OptimizationDevelop pricing strategy, track/facilitate its executionOversee assortment optimization, portfolio rationalization to deliver “priority SKU list”/ “MML”Support Annual T&C process with Key Customers, bringing them extra value of categories performance understanding based on deep analysis/research, developing/delivering impactful external category selling stories Development of Master Version of on-shelf navigation (planogramme) and facilitating its roll outDevelopment of Master version of secondary product placementDevelopment of Joint Value Creation (JVC, annual shopper marketing activation initiatives) for key customers and facilitating its executionCross-functional leadership & influenceFacilitate cross-functional team or category squad responsible for execution across functions.Align stakeholders around category strategy/dynamics ensuring inteaOversee assortment optimization, portfolio rationalization to deliver “priority SKU list”, “MML”Support Annual T&C process with Key Customers, bringing them extra value of categories performance understanding based on deep analysis/research, developing/delivering impactfulexternal category selling stories Development of Master Version of on-shelf navigation (planogramme) and facilitating its roll outDevelopment of Master version of secondary product placementDesired Skills, Experience & Capabilities
Excellent project management skills to oversee and coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously. 3-5 years of experience in a similar role in any other multinational CPG company.Proficiency in basic category development tools: assortment analysis, shelf space management, navigation solutions.Channel and shopper expertiseAbility to leverage data and insights to develop pricing frameworksStrong analytical skills to interpret market data, identify growth opportunities, and develop category strategies.Ability to analyze consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive landscape to drive business growth.Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute category strategies and initiatives.Strong financial acumen to evaluate category performance, manage budgets, and drive profitability.Adaptability and agility to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.Effective communication skills to present strategies, influence stakeholders, build collaborative relationships. present complex concepts and strategies to diverse audiences.Exceptional problem-solving skills to address challenges and identify innovative solutions.Effective stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.Tenacious with a Growth Mind-set to Win Consistently, working in a spirit of partnership for the best overall result for the KC EnterpriseHighly organized and structuredMinimum Bachelor’s degree in local or foreign universityEnglish – Fluent, Russian – Fluent, proficiency in KZ/AZE/UZ/KG languages – isn’t prerequisite, but can be a good asset.Strong command of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) & Nielsen Retail Measurement Database.Proficiency in Spaceman software or other space management software – isn’t prerequisite, but can be a good asset.Desired mindset of candidate:
Challenging the “status quo” & enjoying questioning in traditional ways of doing things for the sake of delivering sound business results, not just for the sake of demonstrating “different” attitudeStrategic thinker, while maintaining clarify of purpose and possessing capability of being conscious about importance of focus on “execution” and “hands-on” approachPossessing ability of “storytellingResults-driven mindset with a focus on achieving revenue targets and driving business growth.Primary Location
Almaty OfficeAdditional Locations
Worker Type
EmployeeWorker Sub-Type
RegularTime Type
Full time