Group Category Manager (Senior CM FMCG Or Food)

Role and Scope of the TaskThe Group Category Manager (Senior CM) is responsible for leading the commercial strategy for multiple FMCG or Food categories, with a special focus on developing and growing the company’s private label portfolio. This role ensures our customers receive the best value for money through high-quality, competitively priced private label products that match or surpass the quality of leading brands.Core Responsibilities: 1. Private Label Leadership – Develop, launch, and continuously improve private label ranges that are core to the company’s assortment strategy. Ensure these products are benchmarked against the best brands in the market in terms of quality, packaging, and value. 2. Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Partnerships – Identify, negotiate, and manage relationships with local and international suppliers to secure the best cost price, terms, and production capabilities for both private label and branded products. 3. Assortment & Range Planning – Define and manage a streamlined but attractive assortment, ensuring private label share is maximized without compromising customer choice. 4. Quality Assurance – Work closely with Quality Control teams to maintain strict quality standards for all private label products, from initial concept to production and post-launch monitoring. 5. Market & Consumer Insights – Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and consumer preferences to identify gaps and opportunities for new private label lines or improvements to existing products. 6. Category Performance Management – Take ownership of the commercial performance of multiple categories, driving sales growth, margin improvement, and brand loyalty through private label initiatives.The Group Category Manager plays a critical leadership role in reinforcing the company’s hard discount identity, focusing on: • Lowest possible prices for customers • Private label excellence as a point of differentiation • A limited yet powerful assortment • Cost efficiency and operational discipline in all processesReporting Lines and Authority• Professional reporting: Chief Purchasing Officer (CPO)• Disciplinary reporting: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)• Direct reports: Category Managers, Private Label Development Specialists, Purchasing AssistantsThe Group Category Manager has the authority to:• Approve and sign private label development agreements and purchasing contracts jointly with the CPO• Make strategic assortment decisions within defined budget and company policy limitsKey Accountabilities • Achieve growth in private label share of sales and profitability across assigned categories • Maintain best-in-class product quality for private label, supported by strict QA processes • Drive innovation in private label product development, packaging, and marketing • Negotiate optimal supplier terms, production lead times, and cost structures for both private label and branded items • Mentor and develop team members in private label management skills