FMCG Jobs – A Guide
Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) cover a large number of consumer products. This means that FMCG jobs can vary greatly depending on the type of industry. Variety and choice of jobs in this arena is large and levels of work can range from a store manager to sales assistant, and buyers to stock controllers. For a guide to fast moving consumer goods roles as well as an FMCG definition, see the following information.
FMCG Definition
The best way to explain the FMCG definition is first by understanding what the letters stand for: Fast Moving Consumer Goods. This means products that are low cost and that are sold quickly in bulk. The profit made from one unit is small, but the large quantities that they are sold in results in very lucrative business. Examples of FMCGs include goods that are needed from day to day and are replaced regularly such as toiletries, cosmetics and household goods.
FMCG Jobs
Under this sales umbrella, it is possible to work for any sized company. These include large chains, to smaller independently run shops. Depending on the job role, working with fast moving consumer goods is likely to involve:
- Dealing with selling goods and customers
- Payments
- Organising displays of goods
- Knowing about products
- Dealing with stock supplies
- Ordering stocks and monitoring deliveries
The higher you rise in FMCG jobs, the more your duties will increase.
Store Manager
The manager of a store will deal with one particular shop and its staff. You will ensure that store targets are met and that stock levels are maintained.
Sales Assistant
This role entails more customer facing responsibilities as you will be selling products directly. Smaller shops will require more duties, such as dressing a window.
Entry
Typically you will not necessarily need qualifications for a job in FMCG retail. However, for higher positions experience will be required. This means it is possible to work from the bottom to the top. Larger retailers have schemes in place for management training and some may choose a degree that entitles them to gain a work placement as a trainee manager at retailers.
