Assistant Category Manager

The incumbent will be required to provide support with brand building and consumer engagement activities to the Marketing Manager, through the management of a selected product portfolio.

LASCO Distributors Limited, a marketing and distribution company within LASCO Affiliated Companies, seeks the services of suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the position of:

ASSISTANT CATEGORY MANAGER

JOB SUMMARY:

The incumbent will be required to provide support with brand building and consumer engagement activities to the Marketing Manager, through the management of a selected product portfolio.  The Junior Category Manager through the guidance of the Marketing Manager will also assist in conducting/designing market research to provide the team with the necessary information to develop strategies and grow sales. 

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Manage a selected portfolio of products.
• Developing marketing and advertising strategies for assigned categories of products. Identify and monitor all costs associated with the sale of all products in the category, with a view to achieving budgeted margins and revenue.
• Working along with graphic artist and ad agency to create designs and layouts for media communication both traditional and digital and present for approval.
• Implement approved communications programs.
• Monitor communications programs on an ongoing basis and report on their effectiveness.
• Ensure that products are packaged and promoted effectively and that they are priced competitively.
• Provide the sales team with adequate product training.
• Provide support for new products being launched; not limited to the selected portfolio.
• Liaise with website providers to ensure content is current, as well as to oversee the digital marketing component of the website.
• Conduct/Design general research on pricing and competitive activity, through trade visits and analyze and present this information.
• Analyze and monitor the performance of products within the portfolio and provide justification for any recommended changes.
• Assist with the compilation of the departmental budgets.
• Ensure that there is an effective flow of information regarding products within portfolio to other members of the Marketing and sales teams.
• Prepare monthly reports and submit to Marketing Manager/Managing Director.
• Any other relevant duties that may be required.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Good oral and written communication skills
• Strong human relations skills
• Planning and organizing skills