Category Head, Water, Hydration and Functional Drinks

Our client, a beverage manufacturer, is looking for a Category Head for its water, hydration and functional drinks range. You will run the category like a small business. This is a marketing role. You will be accountable for revenue, volume, market share, margin and profit.

You will turn consumer research and market data into decisions on portfolio, pricing, packs and communication. You will define the category across packaged water, enhanced hydration, sports drinks and other functional drinks. You will build clear propositions for everyday hydration, active lifestyles, recovery and wellness.

You will lead innovation briefs with research, development and quality colleagues. Every claim must be supported and compliant. You will set up a staged innovation process, test ideas and prove the economics before you scale. You will also drop weak products and improve mix and cost to serve.

You will work closely with sales leadership, although you will not report to them. Together you will review volume, share, distribution, pricing and promotions, and agree action when results fall short. You will also work with finance, production, procurement and supply chain on forecasts and capacity.

We are looking for a leader with a degree in marketing, business or finance. A master's degree is preferred. You have 8 to 12 years in fast-moving consumer goods, with real ownership of a category or brand and its P&L. Experience in water, sports or functional drinks is key. You know retail, wholesale and traditional trade, and you work well across diverse African markets.