Category Leadership & Display Manager – SSA

Mars is a global manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and other food products, known for brands like M&M's, Snickers, Pedigree, and Whiskas.

This role focuses on accelerating the growth of the Snacking Category by enhancing Mars' in-store presence, coverage, and product availability across Sub-Saharan Africa. The manager will report to the Customer Growth Director for the region, identifying display opportunities, developing customer-centric solutions, and cultivating strong relationships with customers to boost category expansion.

1. Develop data-driven category solutions to enhance shopper conversion and improve the physical availability of products.
2. Lead customer category projects, utilizing data to pinpoint growth opportunities and propose optimal assortment and planogram strategies.
3. Design, test, and implement innovative display solutions for main aisles, checkouts, and interruption points to maximize sales performance.
4. Collaborate with internal teams, including Sales, Marketing, and Finance, as well as external stakeholders like suppliers and retailers, to develop and execute customer concepts.
5. Identify and scale successful display innovations and best practices across the Sub-Saharan Africa region and within the Global Display team.
6. Oversee display materials, ensure agency quality, and manage budgets to optimize return on investment and guarantee timely execution.

1. Hold a Bachelor’s Degree.
2. Possess 1-3 years of post-graduate experience, with experience in the FMCG sector being advantageous but not mandatory.
3. Demonstrate a collaborative and customer-focused approach, with the ability to analyze data, extract insights, and translate them into successful customer projects.
4. Exhibit strong planning and alignment capabilities, capable of managing complex situations and ensuring accountability in a dynamic work environment.
5. Show a keen desire to learn from peers, share best practices, and contribute to continuous improvement.