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  • FMCG / Consumer Goods Sector

    Posted on 04-08-21 by Jack Woolsey

    The Consumer Goods sector is a category that relates to items purchased by individuals and households, rather than by other businesses or industries. The products will be used by the buyers for their own use. Examples of goods in this category include food and drink, packaged goods, clothing and electronics. 

    Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) fall into the Nondurable Consumer Goods category, as these are products that are sold and consumed quickly or have a short shelf life. Examples of FMCG products include meat, fruit and vegetables, toilet paper or over-the-counter drugs. FMCGs account for more than half of all consumer spending.

    Because consumer goods are everywhere and almost everyone purchases them, a career in this sector is much more stable than in some other industries. Many FMCG businesses are usually very large and continue to grow, making them a safe option if you’re concerned about job security. 

    Because of their large size, these businesses also require a more defined structure with strong processes in place. As a result, employees for an FMCG brand will likely have a clearer understanding of their career progression and where their current role can take them. 

    With the clue in the name, FMCG is a fast-paced industry and has plenty of competition. Whichever career path you take, there’s no doubt that this FMCG jobs will present you with continuous innovation and change. Digital transformation, coronavirus and an increased focus on sustainable and healthy habits have had large influences on the Consumer Goods market in recent years.   

    Because there’s such a wide range of products covered, the opportunities available in the Consumer Goods sector are plentiful.  

    FMCG Jobs and Consumer Goods Jobs

    Jobs in FMCG and consumer goods can vary greatly due to the different roles needed for a large business to function. Roles would likely be field-based, office-based or on a manufacturing site. 

    Below are some of the key job roles within consumer goods and FMCG. 

    Marketing

    Marketing roles are responsible for the promotion and positioning of the brand or the products that a company sells.

    In a consumer goods marketing job, you could find yourself marketing products directly to customers on a business-to-consumer basis (B2C). This will involve using various marketing methods for the people who use the product your company produces.

    Alternatively, you could work in a role marketing to vendors such as supermarkets in a business-to-business environment. This will involve marketing methods that convince the vendors to stock your product and that it will bring them a profit.

    Whether you work in B2C, B2B or a mixture of both, you will be employed to identify and analyse the types of customers that an FMCG company wants. You will then need to attract more customers and raise brand awareness through multiple marketing campaigns. It’s also important that there is a good return on any investments made into marketing.  

    Because FMCG marketing jobs are so diverse, you could be responsible for a range of different marketing activities such as:

    • Brand Management
    • PR & Marketing Communications
    • Category Management
    • Shopper/Trade Marketing
    • Digital Marketing
    • POS advertising
    • Data analysis/Insights
    • Social media management

    FMCG marketing jobs require both creative and analytical skills. Creativity helps to bring new ideas to implement into your campaigns whilst data interpretation helps you to make more informed decisions. A good commercial awareness will mean that you’re always looking out for new opportunities to promote the business.  

    Communication skills are important as you will be communicating with people on a variety of different levels through different mediums. One day you could be using social media to communicate with consumers and explaining your marketing strategy to the CEO the next.

    If you plan to work in a management role, you’ll need a good and broad understanding of marketing as a whole as well as leadership skills. 

    Sales

    Consumer goods sales jobs are very much partnership based. Sales Representatives in FMCG companies will work closely with existing retail partners to grow the relationship and ensure that the products being sold have the best possible appeal to consumers. This also ensures profitability for both parties. In addition, the sales teams will be responsible for finding new vendors or expanding shelf space at existing partner sites. 

    Your work could be based within an office, however, the work may involve visits to clients or attending trade exhibitions. Video calls may replace sales visits in some cases as more people adapt to working virtually and from home. 

    You will need to have a great understanding of the product you are selling and the market in order to persuade potential buyers and partners. This means you’ll normally specialise in a particular area, for example, toiletries. 

    Your role in a consumer goods sales job will also involve reviewing sales performance and working towards meeting monthly or annual sales targets. Adverts for sales roles in consumer goods will usually show the salary based on ‘on-target earnings’ (OTE). 

    Normally a sales job will also involve customer aftercare service, particularly because clients will be making repeat purchases. You may find that clients come to you directly for customer service queries, such as delivery schedules.

    Given the focus on partnerships between the FMCG business and their vendors, a consumer goods sales job requires self-motivation plus excellent leadership and communication skills. Negotiation and the ability to influence others is also a key skill for this area, as is commercial awareness. 

    Supply Chain & Logistics

    Supply chain and logistics refers generally to the transportation and storage of goods. FMCG jobs in this area are extremely fast-paced given how quickly products leave the shelves.  

    Logistics and supply chain covers a lot of different roles and could include:

    • Sourcing materials
    • Transportation
    • Warehousing and storage
    • Production
    • Distribution and planning  
    • Health and safety

    Whichever role you play, you’ll be responsible for processes in your part of the supply chain and have a good awareness of how they contribute to the wider chain. You may spend time in this job leading innovation by trying to streamline processes, reduce costs or reduce environmental impact. 

    Consumer goods jobs in this sector will require good organisation skills to plan, schedule and deliver goods on time. Problems will always occur in this sector, so you will need to have a solution-oriented, can-do attitude and apply logic to the situation. The supply chain involves a lot of people at different levels and you’ll need to be good at communication in order to succeed. 

    Finance 

    An FMCG job in finance will generally aim to provide the business with the accurate financial information needed to operate and thereby make a profit, whilst adhering to financial rules and regulations. A finance role will also contribute to providing financial analysis that supports the business, investments and new ventures. 

    Depending on your role within the company, you may be responsible for any of the following:

    • Performing audits
    • Analysing business performance 
    • Producing financial reports
    • Monitor and manage costs or financial risks 
    • Research investment opportunities
    • Advising stakeholders on financial matters

    In an experienced FMCG job, you may be expected to hold relevant accountancy qualifications. Working in a finance role, numerical competence is a given along with problem-solving skills, good attention to detail and a results-driven attitude.  

    Purchasing 

    Whether it’s components and ingredients or the packaging, purchasing and procurement are important aspects of a consumer goods business. In order to be able to make products to sell, the company needs to acquire the materials it needs and at a cost-effective price. 

    In a purchasing job, you could be responsible for negotiating with suppliers to ensure that your company gets the best deal possible. You’ll work closely with colleagues in the consumer goods supply chain to ensure that the right amount of materials are brought in for use. Your department will also carry out due diligence on suppliers to understand any risk involved in purchasing from particular suppliers. For example, a certain supplier may be cheaper but less environmentally friendly. 

    In this role, negotiation skills will be extremely beneficial to your success. You’ll also be responsible for maintaining relationships with suppliers so communication skills are very important. 

    Finding the consumer goods job for you 

    Whether it’s FMCG or consumer durables, Clear Edge Search & Selection are dedicated to understanding you as an individual and advising you on your career options. Our approach to recruitment methods for jobs in consumer goods is different. Our team of specialists focus on a small number of vacancies at any one time which means they can provide you with more attention and support. 
    If you are interested in a role within consumer goods and FMCG, we recommend that you look at our vacancies page. Nothing that grabs your attention right now? Get in touch to share what you’re looking for with one of our specialist Recruitment Consultants.

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