Senior Category Development Manager in Cumbernauld
Senior Category Development Manager

Senior Category Development Manager in Cumbernauld

Cumbernauld Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
A G Barr plc

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape the future of our category with strategic insights and data-driven recommendations.
  • Company: Join AG Barr, a leading brand in the FMCG sector with a commitment to sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible holidays, healthcare, and ongoing professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing major retailers and driving sustainable growth.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Category Management and strong data analysis skills are essential.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your voice and encourages growth.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Location: Any of our offices - Middlebrook, Milton Keynes, Cumbernauld, London Hub (Hybrid Office based role)

Are you ready to Be Your Best Barr None? Let's Grow! We are all about Being Your Best Barr None and having a career with real Moments that Matter! Employing around 850 people across the UK, we are proud to be a responsible business that takes care of our people, values diversity, gives something back to our communities and works to minimise our environmental impact.

For 150 years AG Barr has been building great brands and is home to some of the nation's favourite flavours. At our core is IRN-BRU, launched in 1901 and still going strong today, the vibrant RUBICON fruit based brand, Boost making every moment better with a caffeine kick, hydration hit or tasty treat, and FUNKIN where real fruit means authentic taste. We also have a number of exciting owned brands within our portfolio including MOMA, which crafts quality oats into great tasting oat drinks and porridges. There's never been a better time to join us!

What we’re looking for…

  • Strategic Advisory: Lead the development of multi year category strategies that align brand objectives with retailer growth pillars.
  • Strategy Deployment: Lead the activation of long-term category strategies (e.g., "Excite Me" or "Make it Special") to drive sustainable growth and influence customer range reviews.
  • Customer Influence: Build and maintain high-level relationships with retail partners to become a first call advisor for category decisions.
  • Range & Merchandising: Deliver expert recommendations on assortment and shelf layout, using shopper insights and sales data to maximise conversion.
  • Insight Synthesis: Translate complex data sets (Nielsen, Kantar, Retailer loyalty data) into compelling growth stories that drive tangible business results.
  • Future Proofing: Identify emerging market trends and white space opportunities to ensure the category remains relevant in a shifting landscape.
  • Cross Functional Collaboration: Partner with Sales and Commercial to identify distribution headroom (white-space opportunities) and highlight delisting risks, advising how the business can proactively defend or grow its footprint.
  • Range Review Management: Own the Range Review calendar for your accounts, providing early visibility to internal Brand and Commercial teams to ensure innovation launches are perfectly timed for maximum impact.
  • Internal Insight Hub: Act as the "Voice of the Customer" internally, sharing critical shopper and retailer insights back to the Marketing & Commercial teams to shape future business plans.

What you’ll bring…

  • Sector Experience: Substantial experience in Category Management/Trade Marketing or a Business-related degree within a fast-paced FMCG environment.
  • Strategic Deployment: Proven track record of taking a category strategy and successfully landing it with a major retailer to drive measurable growth.
  • Customer Influence: Experience managing the major multiple retailers (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s) and a deep understanding of their specific category rituals and Advantage Survey metrics.
  • Advanced Data: Expertise in distilling complex, multi source data (We use tools like Nielsen and Kantar) but what really matters is your ability to take that data and turn it into a clear, simple story.
  • Cross Functional Leadership: Ability to collaborate with Sales and Supply Chain teams to map distribution risks and identify "white space" headroom for brand expansion.
  • Communication: Exceptional presentation skills, with the ability to turn "data dumps" into clear, persuasive visual narratives.
  • Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of P&L drivers, promotional effectiveness, and the wider FMCG/Retail landscape.

You will also demonstrate our AG Barr behaviours of Being Honest, Accountable, Connected and Brave.

What we offer…

  • Annual bonus linked to business performance
  • Defined contribution Pension
  • Up to 34 days holiday (depending on shift pattern)
  • Flexible holiday trading
  • Flexible cash pot to spend on benefits
  • Healthcare Cash Plan
  • Flexible benefits e.g. discounts & cashbacks, gym memberships, technology purchases etc
  • Life assurance
  • Save as you earn scheme
  • Staff sales discount
  • Free AG Barr products throughout your working day and staff sales
  • Annual salary review
  • Ongoing professional development and access to Learning and Development programmes and content

And much more! To find out more about what it is like to work for AG Barr, please visit our careers platform here. We are an equal opportunities employer and happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that may be needed for successful candidates with a disability, health or mental health condition. While we have highlighted our ideal requirements for this role, we are realistic that the successful candidate probably won’t meet every single requirement in this advert, but we are big advocates of people growing in role. So even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to submit an application - you may be just what we are looking for!

Apply now! Speculative CVs from agencies will not be accepted. External closing date is 8th April. Please note, we may close vacancies early where we receive significant numbers of applications, so apply now!

Senior Category Development Manager in Cumbernauld employer: A G Barr plc

AG Barr is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including up to 34 days of holiday and flexible working options. With a strong commitment to diversity and community engagement, AG Barr fosters a collaborative work culture where every voice is valued, and employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their careers. Join us in shaping the future of iconic brands while enjoying a supportive environment that champions personal and professional growth.
A G Barr plc

Contact Detail:

A G Barr plc Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Category Development Manager in Cumbernauld

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching AG Barr's brands and values. Show us that you understand our mission and how your experience aligns with our goals. Tailor your answers to reflect our commitment to being honest, accountable, connected, and brave.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your presentation skills! As a Senior Category Development Manager, you'll need to communicate complex data clearly. Grab a friend or family member and run through your pitch, focusing on turning data into compelling stories.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the AG Barr family. So, hit that apply button and let’s grow together!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Development Manager in Cumbernauld

Category Management
Trade Marketing
Strategic Planning
Data Analysis
Consumer Insights
Market Trends Identification
Relationship Management
Range and Merchandising Expertise
Cross Functional Collaboration
Presentation Skills
Commercial Acumen
P&L Understanding
Retailer Metrics Knowledge
Insight Synthesis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about the opportunity to shape the future of our category and work with our fantastic brands.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in Category Management or Trade Marketing. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!

Be Data Savvy: Since we’re all about data-driven decisions, include examples of how you've used data to influence strategies in your previous roles. Show us you can turn complex insights into compelling stories that drive results!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our careers platform. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at A G Barr plc

✨Know Your Brands Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in AG Barr's portfolio. Familiarise yourself with their key brands like IRN-BRU and RUBICON, and understand their market positioning. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the company and show how you can contribute to their growth.

✨Master the Data Game

Since the role involves distilling complex data into actionable insights, brush up on your analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data in past roles to influence category strategies or drive sales. Bring examples of how you turned data into compelling stories that led to measurable outcomes.

✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In

Networking is key! If possible, connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights about the company culture and expectations. This can give you an edge in understanding how to position yourself as a strategic partner to retailers during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully deployed category strategies in previous roles. Think about challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to identify market trends and white space opportunities, as this aligns perfectly with what AG Barr is looking for.

Senior Category Development Manager in Cumbernauld
A G Barr plc
Location: Cumbernauld

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