At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to drive category growth and influence key business decisions.
- Company: Join one of the UK's top branded food businesses with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Enjoy career momentum, intellectual challenges, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a market leader reshaping retail and consumer perceptions while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in Category Management or Customer Marketing within FMCG; strong strategic and creative skills required.
- Other info: Work cross-functionally with senior leaders and external partners for maximum influence.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Client: One of the UK’s leading branded food businesses, this organisation is in sustained high growth across multiple categories and shows no signs of slowing down. With the #1 brand in their space and a bold, ambitious five-year plan, they aim to redefine how retailers and consumers see, shop, and value their categories. Their medium-term focus is to master the delicate balance of volume and value, reshaping the market and significantly strengthening their leadership position.
The Role: As Senior Category Manager, you’ll lead a key business unit within the broader organisation, tasked with setting and driving the strategic agenda. You’ll operate cross-functionally across Commercial, Marketing, and external partners, with clear accountability for shaping and delivering category growth that underpins EBIT performance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the internal and external change agenda
- Setting short-term (12–18 month) and long-term (5 year) category strategy
- Working directly with the UK Category Director, Marketing Directors, and Commercial Leaders to set the business’s strategic direction
- Laying the foundations for a 2–3 step development pathway within the group
This is a role that offers intellectual stretch, influence, and genuine career momentum.
Candidate Requirements: We’re looking for someone with:
- Experience in Category Management or Customer Marketing within a top-tier FMCG environment (own label or branded), or direct experience with a UK retailer
- Strong strategic thinking ability with commercial awareness
- A solutions-first mindset with creative agility
- Comfort operating in a fast-paced, corporate, and growth-focused environment
Senior Category Manager employer: LinkedIn
Contact Detail:
LinkedIn Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience in category management. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s current category strategies and recent initiatives. Understanding their approach will not only help you tailor your discussions but also demonstrate your genuine interest in their business during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven category growth in previous roles. Highlight your strategic thinking and solutions-first mindset by showcasing successful projects that align with the company's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the key players in the UK retail market. Understanding their dynamics and how they interact with brands will give you an edge in discussions about shaping category strategies.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Category Management or Customer Marketing, particularly within the FMCG sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and commercial awareness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their ambitious five-year plan and your ability to drive category growth.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on quantifiable achievements that illustrate your impact on category strategy and performance. Use metrics to back up your claims, such as sales growth or market share increases.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience in fast-paced environments and your approach to strategic planning. Be ready to discuss how you would lead change and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at LinkedIn
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Senior Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've developed and implemented successful category strategies in the past, focusing on both short-term and long-term goals.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the company thoroughly, including its market position, key competitors, and recent developments. This knowledge will help you articulate how you can contribute to their ambitious five-year plan and reshape the market.
✨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Be ready to discuss your experience in cross-functional collaboration, particularly with Commercial, Marketing, and external partners, and how it has led to successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate a Solutions-First Mindset
Prepare to discuss challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached them with a solutions-first mindset. Highlight your creative agility and ability to adapt in fast-paced environments, as this is crucial for success in this position.