At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an Assistant Category Manager to drive product strategy and innovation.
- Company: Lee Kum Kee is a leading Asian sauce brand, known for its authentic flavours loved worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team shaping the future of Asian cuisine in Europe.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years in category management, with a degree in Marketing or Business Administration.
- Other info: Fluency in Mandarin is preferred; a love for food is essential!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About LEE KUM KEE
Lee Kum Kee is one of the largest Asian sauce brands, and the inventor of the famous Oyster Sauce. The brand features authentic Chinese and Asian-inspired sauces and is loved by Michelin chefs and families around the world. Lee Kum Kee Europe’s vision is to bring the most original Asian flavours to Europe households, and to provide a quality choice for adventurous cooks in the West.
We are seeking a candidate with a minimum of 4-5 years of category management experience in reputable FMCG food or beverage organizations, including at least 1 year in an assistant manager role.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Category Strategy Formulation and Portfolio Management: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the related sauces product category which aligns with the overall business objectives. Identify opportunities for growth, market trends and potential risks.
- Product Development and Innovation: Develop new products or initial product innovation from concept to launch. Ensure effective collaboration with procurement, R&D, technical services function, manufacturing, quality assurance and Global Marketing for delivery of superior quality and product experience with regulatory compliance.
- Market Analysis & Insights: Support Senior Director and Category Manager to chart out planning and management of market intelligence and insight for short term and long-term business & strategic planning, including research and analysis to identify consumer preferences, competitive landscape, and emerging trends.
- Sales, Revenue and Profitability Management: Work in partnership with sales teams to implement sales plan and promotional activities to achieve revenue target and key metrics. Monitor category sales performance, analyse data and make recommendations for continuous improvement and delivering category growth objectives.
- Marketing and Branding: Work closely with Brand & Digital Marketing team to develop effective marketing campaigns, advertising strategies, and brand positioning.
- Financial Analysis: Prepare and manage the category budget, including cost control, pricing strategy and profitability analysis. Monitor financial performance and make data-driven decisions to optimize category performance.
- Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations, food safety standards, and quality assurance protocols. Implement measures to maintain product integrity and consumer trust. Manage for catching up with future regulatory, trade, and consumer expectations to ensure brand and business sustainability in growth across Europe.
II. JOB SPECIFICATION
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration or related field
- Minimum 4-5 years of category management experience in reputable FMCG food/beverage organizations with 1 year in assistant manager position
Requirements & Skills:
- Based in the UK, permission to work in the UK and willing to travel across Europe if required.
- Knowledge and concrete experience in new product development and category management
- Strong strategic and analytical thinking, solid “CAN-DO” attitude
- Demonstrate judgement to define category development towards company goal
- Pursue innovation and change with a mindset of continuous improvement
- Effective communication and influencing skills, including presentation and writing skills
- Ability to work under pressure, excel in cross-culture environment.
- Ability to work independently, with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- A team player to drive company goal and core value
- Passion about food and cooking
- Proficient in spoken and written English (required)
- Fluent in Mandarin (preferred)
Assistant Category Manager (City of London) employer: Lee Kum Kee Europe
Contact Detail:
Lee Kum Kee Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Category Manager (City of London)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lee Kum Kee's product range and their unique selling points. Understanding their brand story and the specific sauces they offer will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience in category management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who might provide insights or referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in product development and market analysis. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed categories and contributed to growth in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for food and cooking during the interview process. This can set you apart from other candidates, as it demonstrates a genuine interest in the products you'll be managing and the brand's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Category Manager (City of London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in category management, especially within FMCG food or beverage organisations. Emphasise your achievements and any specific projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and cooking, as well as your strategic and analytical skills. Mention how your previous experiences have prepared you for the role of Assistant Category Manager at Lee Kum Kee.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as product development, market analysis, and financial management. Provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in past roles to drive growth and innovation.
Showcase Cultural Fit: Demonstrate your ability to work in a cross-cultural environment and your understanding of the Asian food market. Mention any relevant experiences that illustrate your adaptability and teamwork skills, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lee Kum Kee Europe
✨Showcase Your Category Management Experience
Make sure to highlight your 4-5 years of category management experience in FMCG food or beverage organisations. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've developed and implemented successful category strategies.
✨Demonstrate Product Development Knowledge
Since the role involves product innovation, come ready to talk about any new products you've developed or contributed to. Discuss the process from concept to launch and how you collaborated with different teams to ensure success.
✨Prepare for Market Analysis Questions
Expect questions about market trends and consumer preferences. Brush up on recent trends in the food and beverage sector, and be ready to share insights on how you've used market analysis to drive category growth in the past.
✨Exhibit Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your experience with cross-cultural teams and how you've influenced stakeholders in previous positions.