Category Manager Emerging (NPD, Mortar & RMX)

Role Purpose

A key contributor to the success of any company's strategic plan is an effective Category Manager who will demonstrate industry
knowledge by translating all company activities and Brand Strategic Plans into
excellent plans that will position the company very strongly in the marketplace
and win at the point of purchase.

The Category Manager is accountable for developing and
implementing all Marketing Communications activities, both internally and
externally. Directs and coordinates the Marketing Communications Team's efforts
to achieve the defined business growth objectives across all brands.

Works
closely with the Commercial Team and external Agencies to develop and implement
the Marketing Communications Strategies and activities for the Organization. 

Brand Building Activities: To create and sustain a robust equity for the assigned
sub-Portfolio, which will continue to attract strong consumer loyalty.

• Contribute to
  sub-Portfolio Brand Strategy definition.
  Initiate annual
  Brand marketing review and plans for the Brand with detailed information on
  Brand marketing objectives by overall Brand strategy.
• Define Brand
  Communication Strategy per Plan and Brand Position, selecting the most
  efficient media mix in alignment with the Portfolio Manager.
  
• To prepare
  Agency briefs and subsequent evaluation and assessment of subsequent Agency
  creative proposals.
  
• Creation and
  exploitation of a brand sponsorship platform where applicable, to enhance
  selected brand health indicators.
  
• Identification
  of and association with relevant external events/initiatives that will add
  value to brand equity.
  
• Monitoring
  related platforms, especially those in use by competition.
  
• Lead development
  of advertising materials/creative proposals in each stage before final approval
  by the Marketing Director.
  
• Propose and test
  any changes in advertising strategy.
  
• Work
  collaboratively with the Trade Marketing Team to ensure effective Sales Driver
  deployment of the Brand in all categories of outlets, driving Equity ultimately
  
• Monitor
  competitive strategies, advertising, and positioning platforms to constantly
  ensure continued alignment with Brand positioning.
  
• Report
  periodically, giving information on all activities undertaken by the Brand and
  competitive brands.
  

Drive Market Share and Grow Volume for the
Brand: To achieve and retain a strong
share position in the marketplace.

• Ensure that all
  marketing considerations are taken into account in making volume projections
  for the Brand.
  
• Propose and
  execute promotions plans and schemes, in alignment with the Trade Marketing
  Team, after approval by the Marketing Director.
  
• Monitor the
  effectiveness of all promotional activities, propose relevant modifications,
  and prepare post-promotion reports with appropriate proposals and
  recommendations.
  
• Constantly
  monitor changes within the market, analyse the likely impact on the Brand, and
  propose strategies and plans to deliver the volume objectives.
  
• Monitor
  competitive activities and initiate and execute appropriate action for
  pre-empting such activities or counteracting their impact.
  
• Work in
  conjunction with the field sales management and Logistics to ensure regular
  availability of the Brand in all categories of outlets.
  
• To embark on
  quarterly visits (at least) to the Sales Areas to obtain first-hand information
  on activities related to the Brand and developments in the market in general.
  
• To initiate and
  manage new projects and new product developments that are designed to deliver
  the Brand’s objectives.
  

Ensure Sustainable Profitability for the
Brand: To guarantee a significant
contribution to the overall business objective of delivering outstanding value
to all stakeholders

• Constantly
  monitor the industry and advise the Business on a competitive pricing structure
  for the Brand.
  
• Keep the Brand’s
  profitability under constant review and draw early attention to any deviations
  from estimated profits as a result of sales variations or changes in costs.
  

Other Accountabilities (Planning, Control and
Coordination)

• 
  Prepare an
  annual advertising budget for the Brands in the sub-portfolio for the approval
  of the Marketing Director.
• Monitor
  advertising budget ensuring adherence in line with approved plans.
  
• Carry out
  regular budget-control monitoring exercises to avert over-expenditure.
  
• Prepare a yearly
  Media Brief for the Agency giving guidance regarding advertising budget
  appropriation by media.
  
• Ensure that all
  outdoor hoardings and posters for the Brand are in good condition and that
  hoardings are strategically located.
  
• Monitor and
  analyze official and unofficial trade margins of competing brands, make
  appropriate proposals, and execute accordingly.
  
• Originate and
  test any changes in packaging design.
  
• Liaise with
  Quality Control (Technical) in quality monitoring of products released into the
  market to ensure consistency across all factories.
  
• Monitor the
  quality of all packaging materials in consultation with the appropriate
  Controller.
  
• Recommend and
  manage market research requirements for the Brand.
  
• Agree on
  research proposals in conjunction with the Marketing Director and evaluate the
  results as they affect the overall marketing policy for the Brand.
  
• Check all bills
  from the Agency and suppliers against approved budgets and schedules and verify
  them for payment.
  
• ​Work with the
  Agency in obtaining approval for new advertising materials and for Brand
  consumer promotions i.e. NAFDAC, SON, etc.
  

Requirements

• Minimum 3 - 5 years of Brand or Marketing experience.
  
• Demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience in the design and
  execution of Brand Strategy.
  
• Strong track record in Marketing at management level, with
  practical experience in brand imagery management.
  
• Depth of experience in how to drive a Marketing organization's
  effectiveness and efficiency.
  
• Previous exposure to strategy development is valuable.
  
• Strong project management skills and commercial and financial
  capability are important.
  
• Strong cross-functional stakeholder management skills; previous
  experience in working with other functions, particularly Sales, Trade
  Marketing, Procurement, Supply, Finance, and external partners such as ATL and
  PR Agencies is valuable.
  
• Brand
  Image management experience in FCMG or Telco is a plus
  

• 
  Uses well-developed interpersonal skills to build credible
  relationships
• Strong cross-functional stakeholder management skills
  
• Excellent understanding of
  Brand Management.
  
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
  
• Ability to manage multiple projects at a time.
  
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational, sales
  data, and trends analysis skills.
  
• Creative thinker with the ability to share brand vision with major
  stakeholders
  
• Credible with key internal and external partners
  
• Good IT skills
  
• Good
  interpersonal communication skills