Category Development Associate

Job Title: Category Development AssociateLocations: LagosJob SummaryThe Category Development Associate is responsible for driving category growth, optimizing product assortment, and developing tailored strategies that increase market share, boost sales performance, and enhance profitability across assigned regions. This role requires strong analytical capability, market insight, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to execute winning category strategies.Key Responsibilities1. Category Strategy & PlanningDevelop and implement category growth strategies aligned with company objectives.Conduct market and competitor analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and threats.Recommend channel-specific category initiatives for the General Trade, Modern Trade, and HORECA.2. Product Assortment & MerchandisingDefine and optimize SKU assortment per channel, region, and customer type.Lead category visibility initiatives such as planograms, POS materials, and display execution.Ensure consistent brand presence and shelf standards across Lagos & Oyo markets.3. Trade Marketing & PromotionsPlan and execute trade promotions to drive volume, penetration, and brand awareness.Evaluate promotion performance and provide insight-driven recommendations.Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to ensure seamless activation across channels.4. Sales Support & CollaborationWork closely with regional sales managers, TSMs, and key account teams to deliver category priorities.Provide category training, market insight, and data-driven guidance to the sales team.Track competitor activities and provide timely intelligence for strategic response.5. Data Analytics & ReportingAnalyze sales data, category performance, and market share trends.Develop monthly category dashboards and performance presentations.Recommend actions that improve distribution, share of shelf, and revenue growth.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, economics, or related field.Minimum of 2 years’ experience in category management, trade marketing, or Sales within FMCG.Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets and data interpretation.Experience working across Lagos markets is an advantage.Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder-management skills.Key CompetenciesCategory & Channel KnowledgeMarket & Consumer InsightAnalytical ThinkingProject ManagementNegotiation & Influencing SkillsStakeholder CollaborationResult OrientationWork ConditionsRespective candidates must be based in Lagos and Oyo.Field visits are required to monitor merchandising and execution.