At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic category development for top UK grocery retailers and drive growth.
- Company: Join a leading FMCG business revolutionising the snacking industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and great benefits.
- Why this job: Be the go-to expert in a collaborative team, making a real impact on the market.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG category management and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with major retailers and influence key business decisions.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 52000 £ per year.
We’re partnering with a leading FMCG business that’s redefining the snacking landscape. They’re looking for a Senior Category Development Manager to join their high-performing team and own relationships with some of the UK’s biggest grocery retailers. This is more than just a category role – it’s an opportunity to become the go-to expert for your retail partners, delivering strategic category leadership that drives growth for both parties.
Working within a collaborative and ambitious team, you’ll translate shopper, retailer and market data into actionable plans that optimise range, space, promotions, and merchandising.
What you’ll be doing:
- Building deep, trusted relationships with key Grocery retailers, becoming their preferred partner for category advice and strategic planning.
- Developing tailored Category Growth Plans, identifying how to unlock consumption and drive incremental sales for the category.
- Leading range reviews and space planning conversations, ensuring recommendations are rooted in insight and aligned to both category growth and customer objectives.
- Translating complex shopper and market data into compelling insights and narratives that drive action – internally and externally.
- Acting as the internal voice of the retailer, partnering closely with Marketing, Innovation and Commercial teams to ensure all brand and NPD plans are customer-ready.
What we’re looking for:
- Proven FMCG category management experience ideally with Grocery retailers.
- Strong analytical skills – able to interpret large data sets and distil clear, impactful insights.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills – you’re confident presenting to senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience with industry data sources (e.g., Nielsen, Kantar, Dunnhumby) and category tools (e.g., JDA).
- A passion for category development and a curiosity to uncover new opportunities to drive category growth.
Senior Category Development Manager - Grocery employer: Allexo Search
Contact Detail:
Allexo Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Development Manager - Grocery
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience with grocery retailers. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in category management.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with key industry data sources like Nielsen and Kantar. Understanding how to leverage these tools will not only enhance your analytical skills but also demonstrate your commitment to data-driven decision-making during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully built relationships with grocery retailers in the past. Highlight your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights that have driven growth for both the retailer and your previous employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in the snacking landscape and category development. Being knowledgeable about current market dynamics will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only passionate but also well-informed about the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Development Manager - Grocery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in FMCG category management, particularly with grocery retailers. Use specific examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to translate data into actionable insights.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for category development and your understanding of the grocery landscape. Mention how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially in building relationships and driving growth.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Provide examples in your application that showcase your strong analytical skills. Discuss any experience you have with industry data sources like Nielsen or Kantar, and how you've used this data to influence strategic decisions.
Prepare for Interviews: If invited for an interview, be ready to discuss how you would approach category growth plans and range reviews. Prepare to present insights from past experiences and how they can apply to the role at this company.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allexo Search
✨Know Your Data Sources
Familiarise yourself with industry data sources like Nielsen, Kantar, and Dunnhumby. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles to drive category growth and make informed decisions.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to demonstrate your ability to interpret large data sets. Prepare examples of how you've distilled complex information into actionable insights that have positively impacted sales or strategy.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in building trusted relationships with grocery retailers. Share specific examples of how you've become a preferred partner for category advice and strategic planning.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your presentation skills, as you'll need to confidently present to senior stakeholders. Use clear, compelling narratives to convey your insights and recommendations during the interview.