Head of Category

Job Description : Head of Category – East Africa (FMCG) ???? I’m exclusively partnering with a market-leading Pan-African FMCG powerhouse to find a Head of Category who thinks like a business owner, not just a marketer. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role for someone ready to own a P&L, shape strategy across multiple countries, and leave a real footprint on the African consumer goods landscape. ???? Location: East Africa ???? Reports to: Chief Marketing Officer ???? Focus: Full P&L Ownership | Strategy | Innovation | Leadership ???? THE CHALLENGE This isn't about managing a brand—it's about building a business unit. You will be the strategic compass and commercial engine for a key category, driving growth from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam and beyond. ???? WHAT YOU’LL OWN ? The Business: Full P&L accountability—top-line revenue, margins, and bottom-line profitability. ? The Strategy: Define the long-term category vision and execute it across diverse markets with an optimized SKU mix. ? The Pipeline: Lead the end-to-end NPD process. From identifying white space opportunities to launching products that win at shelf. ? The Price: Architect country-specific pricing strategies (RRP) to maximize growth without compromising value. ? The Team: Lead, mentor, and build a high-performance culture within your category team and across cross-functional partners. ???? WHO WE NEED We’re looking for a commercial strategist with: ???? 10–12 years of FMCG experience (Marketing, Innovation, or Agency planning). ???? A proven track record of leading cross-functional teams (R&D, Sales, Supply Chain, Creative). ???? The ability to influence C-level stakeholders and present compelling, data-backed business cases. ???? An entrepreneurial mindset—comfortable with ambiguity, obsessed with the consumer, and driven by results. ???? Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree + Professional Marketing Qualification (CIM). An MBA is a major plus. ? THE X-FACTOR You don’t just execute briefs—you write them. You have a point of view. You understand that a great product is nothing without a great Go-to-Market plan, and you have the leadership presence to align an entire organization behind your vision. ???? READY TO MAKE YOUR MARK? This is a career-defining role for a seasoned Category Manager ready to step up, or a current Head looking for a bigger, bolder challenge in a dynamic Pan-African environment.

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