Category Manager - Food and Non Food Products at Worknigeria

Worknigeria was established with a Singular Vision. To help the vast Nigerian workforce find meaningful jobs. We are also on a mission to upskill them in the best ways possible and help them grow with and within their careers.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Category Manager - Food and Non Food Products

Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Retail / FMCG / E-Commerce
Work Mode: Onsite
Reports To: Chief Commercial Officer

Job Overview

• The Category Manager is responsible for managing and driving the performance of assigned product categories to achieve profitability and growth targets.
• This role involves strategic vendor management, product assortment optimization, pricing, and promotion planning, ensuring that each category contributes effectively to the company’s overall commercial goals.

Key Responsibilities
Category & Vendor Management:

• Manage vendors, pricing, assortment, and range reviews for assigned categories.
• Deliver agreed gross margins, and manage category budgets and forecasts.
• Source, evaluate, and maintain strong relationships with reliable suppliers and vendors.
• Conduct yearly vendor performance reviews and implement improvement plans.
• Review supplier contracts to ensure ongoing commercial feasibility and compliance.
• Develop inventive, cost-effective procurement strategies and partnerships.
• Ensure the product assortment aligns with the profile and needs of each outlet.

Category Strategy & Development:

• Research and analyze market data, trends, and insights to inform buying decisions.
• Plan and implement long-term strategies for category growth and profitability.
• Set competitive pricing, adjust prices to boost sales, and clear slow-moving inventory.
• Design and execute category promotions, branding, and visibility strategies.
• Collaborate with marketing and commercial teams to achieve business objectives.
• Take full ownership of category performance, including forecasting, monitoring, and reporting.
• Lead supplier negotiations to enhance profitability and drive sustainable business growth.
• Influence product design, category layout, and customer experience for optimal sales impact.

Operational Excellence & SOP Adherence:

• Manage category product groups to ensure optimal turnover and profit margins.
• Oversee merchandising guidelines and in-store category displays.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs in category management and product lifecycle processes.
• Execute new item introductions and plan regular range reviews.
• Formalize and update vendor contracts and agreements promptly.
• Track product profitability per vendor and ensure accuracy of vendor details.

Pricing & Commercial Strategy:

• Align pricing and promotions with market trends and competitive landscape.
• Optimize commercial strategy to ensure price competitiveness and category relevance.
• Develop and maintain negotiation methodologies and processes for consistent improvement.

Distribution & Logistics Coordination:

• Liaise with warehouse and supply chain teams to ensure smooth logistics operations.
• Monitor contract terms, transport, returns, and invoicing processes.
• Optimize warehouse profitability through efficient negotiations and operations.
• Ensure timely follow-up with finance on vendor payments and trading terms.

Financial & Data Integrity:

• Track vendor payment status in coordination with Accounts Payable.
• Maintain accurate product and vendor data in internal systems.
• Communicate changes in vendor terms and pricing promptly to the Finance Department.
• Continuously improve sourcing and import efficiency to enhance product quality and value.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Marketing, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Category Management, Procurement, or Buying (Retail/FMCG preferred).
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to deliver results in a fast-paced commercial environment.
• Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and project management capabilities.

Application Closing Date
15th November, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CVs to: careers@worknigeria.com using the Job Title as the subject of the email.