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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage relationships with retailers and analyse market trends in frozen & chilled categories.
- Company: itsu is a fast-growing chain of Asian-inspired healthy food shops with a strong UK and European presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, health insurance, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and growth in the food industry.
- Qualifications: 2+ years FMCG experience and strong Excel skills required; passion for food is a must!
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Category Manager [frozen & chilled] role at itsu. itsu is a dynamic and fast-growing chain of Asian-inspired healthy food shops. itsu [grocery] brings the itsu vision into retail and wholesale worldwide. itsu [grocery] has a strong presence within all major UK retailers, on track to reach a £57m turnover with 31% year-on-year growth. International expansion into European markets has been successful, with major listings in key retailers and plans for further growth and product innovation. itsu [grocery] is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
The Ideal Candidate
- An eye for detail
- Excellent communication skills for managing key buying relationships
- Flexible, proactive, and a self-starter within a small team
- Energetic and adaptable to a rapidly evolving business
- Entrepreneurial spirit
- Passion for food
- 2+ years FMCG experience (category management, finance, sales, trade marketing)
- Strong Excel skills
- Deep understanding of the UK grocery market
- Proactive problem-solving abilities
About Us
itsu is a healthy, Asian-inspired quick service retail & grocery brand with over 70 UK stores and a growing presence across Europe. Known for fresh, high-quality food, itsu aims to expand further through new stores and product lines. Our offerings include products like crispy seaweed, frozen gyoza & bao, and more.
Scope of the Role
- Building relationships with buying contacts at multiple retailers
- Providing category updates for frozen & chilled segments
- Analyzing performance data and sharing insights
- Understanding shopper behavior and market trends
- Collaborating with NPD, marketing, RGM, and sales teams for innovation
- Line management of one direct report
Benefits
- Competitive salary and bonus
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Health insurance and pension scheme
- Hybrid working (2 days WFH)
- International work opportunities
- Employee discounts and free lunch
- Training budget for development
Additional Details
- Seniority level: Mid-Senior
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Marketing and Sales
- Industry: Food and Beverage Services
Category Manager [frozen & chilled] employer: itsu
Contact Detail:
itsu Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager [frozen & chilled]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with itsu's product range, especially in the frozen and chilled segments. Understanding their offerings will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for food.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, particularly those who have experience in category management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in the UK grocery market. Being knowledgeable about current consumer behaviours and market dynamics will position you as a strong candidate who can contribute valuable insights to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving abilities with specific examples from your previous roles. Highlighting how you've tackled challenges in category management or sales will showcase your proactive approach and entrepreneurial spirit.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager [frozen & chilled]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in FMCG, category management, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your understanding of the UK grocery market. Use keywords from the job description to align your skills with what itsu is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and how your entrepreneurial spirit aligns with itsu's vision. Mention your ability to build relationships and provide examples of how you've successfully managed key buying relationships in the past.
Follow Application Instructions: Remember to remove your full name, university/school name, address, email, and photos from your CV and cover letter as specified in the application note. This ensures your application is reviewed fairly and anonymously.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves analysing performance data and sharing insights, include specific examples of how you've used Excel or other tools to analyse data in previous roles. Highlight any successful outcomes that resulted from your analysis.
How to prepare for a job interview at itsu
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food during the interview. Discuss your favourite Asian-inspired dishes or any relevant experiences that highlight your passion for the culinary world. This will resonate well with itsu's brand values.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous roles, especially in FMCG. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've interpreted performance data and made strategic decisions based on your insights.
✨Highlight Your Relationship Management Experience
Since the role involves managing key buying relationships, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully built and maintained professional relationships in past positions. This will showcase your communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Market Trends
Stay updated on current trends in the UK grocery market, particularly in the frozen and chilled segments. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact itsu and how you would approach category management in this context.
