Executive search firm Monroe Consulting Group is recruiting on behalf of a leading multinational FMCG company. Our client is looking for a Category Development Manager. The role focuses on leveraging insights to drive category growth, develop strategic solutions, and optimize sales and profitability. Hybrid work setup; office located in BGC, Taguig, Philippines.
Job Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and execution of category leadership strategies, providing shopper, channel, and category-based analyses and customer-facing materials to position the company as a trusted category expert.
- Work with cross-functional teams (Sales, Customer Experience, Customer Marketing, and Perfect Store) to adapt global category visions and merchandising strategies into locally relevant execution plans.
- Develop insight-driven category solutions that influence shopper behavior and boost in-store transactions. Support Sales with compelling category stories and post-implementation reviews to refine execution and drive growth.
- Recommend optimized planograms for key confectionery placements (e.g., till zone, main aisle, secondary displays), using data analysis and merchandising best practices to grow the category.
- Provide insights into customer priorities through Strategic Channel Management (SCM) analysis.
- Lead portfolio performance reviews in collaboration with commercial and marketing teams to identify strategic growth opportunities.
- Monitor business performance through market share analysis and other key metrics.
- Support Joint Business Planning efforts with strategic customers and internal teams.
Context and Scope
- Operates as an individual contributor working closely with internal cross-functional teams and external partners (e.g., distributors, agencies) to enable continuous improvement.
- Owns the end-to-end category leadership agenda, from strategy development to implementation with key local customers.
- Responsible for recommending, executing, and evaluating processes that drive category growth, supported by actionable insights and strong internal alignment.
Key job qualifications include:
- Bachelor's degree minimum
- 6-8+ years in FMCG (supplier or retail), with a background in category management, sales, or customer marketing
- Strong understanding of retail channels (GT, CVS, supermarkets, hypermarkets, drugstores)
- Proven ability to translate insights into strategy, influence stakeholders, and lead cross-functional teams
- Skilled in Nielsen tools (Spaceman, Discover); knowledge of Euromonitor a plus
- Commercially savvy, highly analytical, adaptable, and thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments
