At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy across EMEA, driving growth and insights for a dynamic FMCG brand.
- Company: Join a fast-paced, purpose-driven soft drinks brand making waves in the market.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, hybrid working, generous holiday, healthcare, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Fluency in English is essential; German language skills are a bonus.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture-focused company that values growth and innovation while making an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in Category or Market Strategy, familiarity with data tools, and strong storytelling skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Are you a category professional with a track record of driving growth across your retail customers? Looking to join a fast-paced, high-growth FMCG brand that blends commercial acumen with purpose-driven values? This is an exciting opportunity to take a lead role in shaping the category agenda for a market disruptor in the soft drinks space. With an established UK footprint and strong momentum in DACH, France, and Spain, the business is now looking to elevate its EMEA category strategy with the hire of an experienced Category Manager.
Responsibilities:
- Owning the category vision across EMEA markets - developing strategic plans to drive distribution and penetration.
- Acting as the internal expert on category and shopper trends. Managing UK Cash & Carry, Convenience & Food Service, DACH Region, France, Spain.
- Partnering with sales and marketing to craft compelling customer narratives and activate tailored growth plans.
- Leading relationships with key retailers, presenting data-led insight and growth opportunities.
- Establishing best-in-class reporting frameworks and bringing clarity to multi-market performance.
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience in Category, Insights or Market Strategy - ideally within food or drink.
- Strong familiarity with IRI, Nielsen, Kantar or Circana data and confident using this to influence senior stakeholders.
- A natural storyteller with the ability to turn data into compelling, commercially-relevant insights.
- Fluent English; German language skills and knowledge of the German market are a real plus.
- A collaborative, ambitious, and analytical mindset - someone who thrives in scale-up or high-growth cultures.
Why apply?
You’ll be joining a company that’s as passionate about culture as it is about growth. With flexible hours, hybrid working, generous holiday, healthcare, and personal development initiatives - this is a brand that looks after its people while setting ambitious goals for category leadership. If you’re a self-starter with a love for insight and a drive to make an impact across borders, this is one to explore.
Salary: £50,000 + Bonus + Benefits
Location: Central London
Desired Skills and Experience: Category, insights, German language
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Insights Manager - EMEA in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the soft drinks market, especially within the EMEA region. Understanding the competitive landscape and consumer preferences will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, particularly those who have experience in category management. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your data analysis skills, particularly with tools like IRI, Nielsen, and Kantar. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in turning data into actionable insights will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your storytelling abilities by thinking of examples where you've successfully influenced stakeholders with data-driven insights. This will highlight your fit for the role and your ability to communicate effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Insights Manager - EMEA in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in category management and insights, particularly within the FMCG sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive growth and influence stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, showcase your passion for the role and the company. Mention your familiarity with data sources like IRI, Nielsen, or Kantar, and how you've used these to create impactful strategies in previous roles.
Highlight Language Skills:If you have German language skills, be sure to emphasise this in your application. Explain how your language proficiency can benefit the company's operations in the DACH region.
Showcase Your Storytelling Ability:Demonstrate your storytelling skills by providing examples of how you've turned data into actionable insights. This could be through case studies or specific projects where your insights led to significant outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allexo Search
✨Know Your Data
Familiarise yourself with IRI, Nielsen, Kantar, or Circana data before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these insights in past roles to influence decisions and drive growth.
✨Craft Your Story
As a natural storyteller, think about how you can turn your experiences into compelling narratives. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to translate data into actionable insights that have led to successful outcomes.
✨Understand the Market
Research the soft drinks market, especially in EMEA regions like DACH, France, and Spain. Show your understanding of current trends and how they could impact the category strategy for the company.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Demonstrate your collaborative approach by discussing how you've partnered with sales and marketing teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your teamwork led to successful customer narratives and growth plans.
