Category Development Manager

Category Development Manager (FMCG - Trade Marketing)

Salary:
Competitive and based on experience

Location:
Jakarta

Keywords:
category development, modern trade channel, FMCG expertise, team leadership, commercial planning, cross-functional collaboration, market insights, promotion strategies, data analysis, career growth

A leading organisation in the fast-moving consumer goods sector is seeking a knowledgeable and strategic Category Development Manager to join their Modern Trade Channel team based in Jakarta. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to shape category excellence, influence commercial agendas, and drive sustainable growth within a highly respected FMCG environment. As a pivotal member of the team, you will be responsible for steering category performance, optimising promotional strategies, and ensuring seamless execution across multiple functions. You will have the chance to lead a talented group of professionals, collaborate with key stakeholders, and make a tangible impact on business outcomes. The company offers a collaborative culture that values your analytical strengths, encourages professional development, and supports your career ambitions through ongoing training opportunities and exposure to industry best practices.

• Play a central role in defining and executing category strategy for one of Indonesia's most prominent FMCG organisations, working closely with senior leadership to deliver measurable results.
• Benefit from flexible working opportunities and a supportive environment that prioritises knowledge sharing, teamwork, and continuous learning to help you reach your full potential.
• Enjoy access to professional development programmes, generous benefits, and the chance to work alongside some of the industry's most experienced professionals in a modern office setting.

What you'll do:

As Category Development Manager, you will play an instrumental role in shaping the future direction of category strategy within the Modern Trade channel. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve collaborating closely with various departments to design robust commercial plans that align with organisational goals. You will leverage your analytical acumen to interpret complex data sets, transforming insights into practical actions that optimise category performance. By leading promotional activities from conception through execution, you will ensure every campaign delivers value both in-store and at the point of sale. Your ability to forecast demand accurately will be crucial for successful product launches-both for established lines and innovative new offerings. In addition to managing budgets effectively, you will inspire your team members through mentorship and guidance while fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Success in this position requires not only technical proficiency but also outstanding interpersonal skills that enable you to build consensus among diverse groups of stakeholders.

• Define and oversee the annual commercial and category planning process, ensuring all initiatives are aligned with broader business objectives and tailored to the unique demands of the Modern Trade channel.
• Develop comprehensive long-term roadmaps that enhance competitive advantage and drive sustained market share growth within the FMCG landscape.
• Execute promotional campaigns and commercial plans with meticulous attention to detail, coordinating efforts across sales, marketing, and supply chain teams for maximum impact.
• Champion excellence in in-store execution by fostering shopper engagement strategies that resonate with retail partners and end consumers alike.
• Conduct thorough reviews of category performance using advanced analytics tools and market insights to identify actionable opportunities for optimisation.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) regularly, delivering insightful reports and recommendations to senior management for informed decision-making.
• Lead demand forecasting activities for both existing products and new product development initiatives, ensuring launch readiness through effective planning and coordination.
• Manage budget allocation efficiently by maximising return on investment (ROI) from trade investments and promotional spend while maintaining profitability targets.
• Mentor, guide, and develop a high-performing team of 4-5 category professionals by nurturing a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and shared success.
• Cultivate strong cross-functional relationships with internal stakeholders such as sales, marketing, supply chain, and finance teams to ensure seamless project delivery.

What you bring:

In this Category Development Manager position, your extensive background in trade marketing or category management within the FMCG industry will set you apart. Your academic credentials-specifically a bachelor's degree in engineering-will provide a solid foundation for understanding technical aspects of product categories. You will bring deep familiarity with Modern Trade channels gained through years of hands-on experience partnering with top retailers. Your analytical mindset enables you to dissect large volumes of data using sophisticated tools like Nielsen or IRI while drawing meaningful conclusions that inform strategic decisions. Proficiency in Excel and other business intelligence applications allows you to present findings clearly to both technical experts and non-specialists alike. Your interpersonal strengths shine when guiding teams toward shared objectives; you know how to nurture talent while encouraging open communication across departments. Adaptability is second nature-you remain composed during periods of change or ambiguity-and your commercial instincts ensure every recommendation aligns with broader business priorities. Above all else, your commitment to collaboration means you consistently seek input from others before implementing solutions.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required as foundational academic preparation for this role.
• At least ten years' progressive experience in trade marketing, category management or commercial planning within the FMCG sector is essential for success.
• Demonstrated expertise managing Modern Trade channels with proven results working alongside major retail partners is highly valued.
• Advanced analytical abilities including hands-on experience with sales forecasting techniques, promotion evaluation methodologies, and effectiveness measurement tools are necessary.
• Proficiency using category data analysis platforms such as Nielsen or IRI along with strong command of Excel, PowerPoint, and business intelligence software is expected.
• Ability to translate complex data insights into actionable strategies that drive tangible improvements in category performance is critical.
• Exceptional communication skills are needed to engage persuasively with stakeholders at all levels inside and outside the organisation.
• Experience leading teams-mentoring direct reports while fostering a collaborative spirit-is vital for building trust-based relationships within your group.
• Cross-functional collaboration skills are important; you should be comfortable working closely with colleagues from sales, marketing, supply chain, and finance functions.
• Personal attributes such as being adaptable under pressure, resilient when facing challenges, commercially minded yet empathetic towards others' perspectives are highly regarded.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as one of Indonesia's premier employers within the fast-moving consumer goods sector due to its unwavering commitment to employee development and workplace wellbeing. Here you'll find an inclusive culture where knowledge sharing is encouraged at every level-from entry-level staff right up through senior management-ensuring everyone has access to valuable learning resources. Flexible working arrangements allow you greater control over your schedule so you can balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments more easily. The company invests heavily in ongoing training programmes designed not only to enhance technical skills but also foster leadership capabilities among emerging talent. Employees benefit from generous compensation packages complemented by comprehensive health coverage options tailored specifically for their needs.

What's next:

If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge as Category Development Manager Fast-Moving Consumer Goods-and want your next career move to truly matter-this is your moment

Apply today by clicking on the link provided; we look forward to connecting with talented professionals who share our passion for excellence.

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.