Role Summary
- Our client is looking for a Category Lead – Marketing Oil & Fats to drive the marketing strategy and execution for one of their most strategic and competitive business units.
- You will play a leading role in shaping portfolio strategy, brand positioning, trade activation, and consumer engagement across Kenya and regional markets.
- This role combines strong analytical skills, commercial acumen, and deep understanding of consumer and trade dynamics in the edible oils and fats segment — from bulk and value brands to premium and innovation-led offerings.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Planning
- Develop and execute the annual marketing plan for the Oil & Fats portfolio, aligned to category growth and profitability targets.
- Identify consumer and channel growth opportunities e.g., pack-price architecture, emerging trends, new geographies.
- Translate consumer and shopper insights into actionable brand and trade marketing initiatives.
Brand Management & Communication
- Manage brand positioning and communication for our clients brands other portfolio products.
- Build and execute ATL and digital campaigns that strengthen brand preference and differentiation.
- Ensure consistent storytelling and packaging alignment with consumer positioning.
Trade & Channel Activation
- Design and implement in-store and channel activation plans, in partnership with the sales and RTM teams.
- Work with distributors to ensure visibility, availability, and performance of key SKUs.
- Measure and improve activation ROI and trade program efficiency.
Innovation & Portfolio Development
- Support development of new products and line extensions, ensuring consumer and channel fit.
- Partner with R&D, Supply Chain, and Sales on go-to-market launches and post-launch performance reviews.
Data & Performance Management
- Track brand health, category share, and volume KPIs using dashboards and market data.
- Use insights to guide pricing, promotions, and marketing mix optimization.
- Prepare business reviews and performance reports for leadership.
Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field. CIM or MBA preferred.
Experience:
- 5–8 years in FMCG marketing with at least 3 years in brand/category management.
- Must have proven success in the edible oils and fats segment.
- Solid understanding of both traditional and modern trade environments.
- Strong analytical, commercial, and execution capabilities.
- Experience managing agencies, budgets, and trade activations.
Preferred:
- Exposure to pricing and portfolio management for mass-market categories.
- Experience with BI tools, digital marketing platforms, or SAP S4HANA.
What Success Looks Like
- Clear, data-driven marketing plan driving category growth and profitability.
- Strengthened brand equity and top-of-mind awareness in key consumer segments.
- Incremental volume growth and improved margin mix.
- Enhanced trade activation and visibility across channels.
- Brand health and share metrics trending upward quarter over quarter.