Bernadette B.
Mid-Level FMCG Category Manager
Open to offersNew to PlatformAbout
Bernadette B. is an accomplished professional in commercial and category management with extensive experience in the FMCG, retail, and real estate sectors across South Africa and Namibia. She has held pivotal roles at SPAR, including Regional DC Coordinator and Marketing/Category Coordinator, where she managed category performance, supplier negotiations, and product range optimisation, and developed national benchmark processes that enhanced supplier compliance and data-driven decision-making. Her achievements include receiving the “Category Management Lifetime Achievement Award” and optimizing supply chain and merchandising strategies for multiple store types. In the property sector, she has served as a Candidate Property Practitioner with Leapfrog and Property Eagles, managing rentals, sales listings, client negotiations, and compliance with property legislation. Her scope of responsibility has consistently included supplier engagement, team leadership, data analysis, and stakeholder relationship management, contributing directly to revenue growth and operational improvements in both high-volume retail and property settings.
Experience
Candidate Property Practitioner
Property Eagles · 2025 — PresentResponsible for managing rentals and sales encompassing listings, showings, negotiations, and marketing campaigns. Ensured compliance with property legislation and administrative protocols.Marketing / Category Coordinator
SPAR · 2010 — 2024Handled category performance, margin optimisation, and supplier negotiations across various store formats. Contributed to promotional planning and enhanced DC/drop shipment processes, while also mentoring teams and recommending improvements in range and pricing.Candidate Property Practitioner
Leapfrog · 2024 — 2024Oversaw rentals in the Northern Suburbs, including managing enquiries, showings, agreements, and marketing efforts. Built strong client relationships through responsive service.Regional DC Coordinator
SPAR · 2001 — 2009Managed Category Management initiatives throughout stores, oversaw DC operations, and facilitated supplier and buyer decision-making processes. Recruited and guided a team of Field Managers, Supervisors, and Merchandisers.Category Manager
CMS – Veterinary Channel · 1998 — 2000Coordinated categories including Homecare, Personal Care, and Petcare, while managing store layouts and planograms.Trade Marketing Manager
Bristol Myers Squibb · 1997 — 1999Promoted to manage trade marketing across all FMCG sectors and Pharmacy, following initial role as Category Manager.Regional Sales Manager
SPAR | Smollan Group · 1995 — 1997Led a team of Sales Representatives and Merchandisers, managing relationships with 15 major principals including Unilever and Langeberg.Sales Representative
Unilever – Elida Ponds · 1988 — 1994Responsible for sales to SPAR DC and stores, as well as various retail chains including Checkers, OK, and PnP.National Sales Administrator
Chemical Services · 1981 — 1988Managed sales administration tasks with a focus on middle management responsibilities.
Skills & Expertise
Education
- IMM Certificate & Diploma in Marketing ManagementDamelin College · 1989 — 1996
- National Senior CertificateGreen Oaks College · 1979 — Present
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