At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category performance with strategic, data-driven plans and impactful retail activations.
- Company: Dynamic FMCG company focused on innovation and customer-centric strategies.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values unique contributions and fosters a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping category strategies that resonate with customers.
- Qualifications: Experience in category planning and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: We welcome applications from those looking for hybrid working, based 2 to 3 days per week in our Handforth (Cheshire) Office.
About the Role: As a key driver of category performance, you will be responsible for defining and delivering strategic, data-driven plans that accelerate category growth and increase market share. You will bring the customer to the centre of all commercial planning, ensuring customer insight shapes decision-making and drives meaningful outcomes. Acting as a vital bridge between Commercial and Marketing, you will collaborate closely across teams to develop and execute compelling retail activation plans. This includes leading activity across range changes, point-of-sale execution and integrated marketing, translating strategy into impactful in-store and shopper-focused activation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategy Development: Creating long term Commercial strategies and category roles aligned to business objectives.
- Data & Insight Analysis: Work with Trade Planning Manager, Ranging and Clustering team, VM, Buying and Supply teams to identify market trends and customer behaviour, spotting opportunities for growth and range gap analysis through thorough understanding of categories, competitors and the market.
- Represent the voice of the customer through attending and driving customer listening groups, challenging Commercial teams on range, price and promotion mechanics to ensure a customer centric category plan.
- Create a marketing activation plan by category aligned to business strategy and sync plan.
- Collaboration with Marketing, Buying, Supply Chain, VM, ranging and clustering and space teams.
Key Measurables:
- Category strategy established with category roles identified aligned to Commercial objectives and Head of Category intent.
- Collaborating with Marketing to create activation plan by category.
- Growth in customer numbers by category.
- Growth in customer satisfaction scores.
- Sales/ profit growth in high focus categories.
About You:
- Previous Category Planning experience within an FMCG or retail environment.
- Confident communicator who can facilitate cross functional discussions and drive alignment.
- Comfortable managing and influencing multiple stakeholders and balancing short term trading needs with long term strategic goals.
- Highly organised and methodical planner with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience of analysing performance and market data.
We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities. Even if your skills and experience don't perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you.
Category Planning Manager in Wilmslow employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Planning Manager in Wilmslow
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for All The Top Bananas and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like All The Top Bananas are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with All The Top Bananas on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at All The Top Bananas. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Planning Manager in Wilmslow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit All The Top Bananas. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of All The Top Bananas:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about All The Top Bananas’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at All The Top Bananas will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At All The Top Bananas, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
