Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and execute category strategies with retailers to drive growth.
- Company: Join Arla Foods, a global leader in the dairy industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 26 days holiday, and health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG category strategy and team leadership required.
- Other info: Enjoy perks like a company car, gym access, and a festive cheese hamper!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Customer Category Controller- 12 month FTC – Leeds
Arla Foods is hiring a Customer Category Controller on a 12-month fixed-term contract in Leeds. The role focuses on shaping and executing long-term category strategies and growth tactics with retailers, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and delivering mutual growth.
What will you do?
- Reporting to the Customer Development Director, shape, plan, and execute long-term category strategies and growth-driving tactics with retailers.
- Build strong internal and external relationships with senior stakeholders; identify opportunities for the team to drive and execute; unlock strategic opportunities with customers.
- Translate Arla’s strategic growth plans into execution that drives results and influences shopper behaviour.
- Lead and develop the Customer Development team and collaborate with category, sales, and marketing teams to improve customer execution and ways of working.
Key responsibilities
- Use market, shopper, and customer insights to identify growth opportunities and lead category leadership initiatives through the team.
- Collaborate across the category function and wider teams to enhance customer execution and ways of working.
- Lead a diverse team of 4, including direct line management of 3 Customer Category Managers.
- Build strong customer relationships and foster collaboration; stay ahead of evolving trends through understanding shopper behaviour and retailer needs.
What will make you successful?
- Proven category experience within an FMCG environment.
- Strong background in developing customer category strategies with clear commercial impact.
- Ability to translate data and insights into long-term, actionable plans.
- Commercially driven with a focus on delivering growth for Arla and its customers.
- Experience in leading and coaching high-performing teams with a collaborative, development-focused approach.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution.
Requirements and benefits
- Location: Leeds, GB (Arla Head Office, Leeds, LS10 1AB). Hybrid working pattern.
- Record of leading category strategy in FMCG and delivering measurable growth.
- Competitive salary (salary discussed at application stage).
- 26 days holiday plus Bank Holidays; pension contribution matched up to 6%.
- A company car to support travel; 4x annual salary life assurance; BUPA healthcare; bonus scheme.
- Onsite gym access; staff shop discounts; flexible benefits (additional annual leave, discounts via reward gateway).
- Important note: Cheese hamper at Christmas.
Other information
Application closing date: 24 October 2025. Please apply directly or contact Olivia Pine, Talent Acquisition Partner at Arla Foods, for more information. Ref. 103963.
Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to sustainability and innovation. We value diversity and collaboration and strive to create an inclusive workplace.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Customer Category Controller- 12 month FTC - Leeds employer: Arla Foods
Contact Detail:
Arla Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Category Controller- 12 month FTC - Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Arla Foods. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Arla's recent projects and their approach to category strategies. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills during the interview! Bring examples of how you've driven growth in previous roles. Use data and insights to back up your claims – it’s all about making an impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Category Controller- 12 month FTC - Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Customer Category Controller role. Highlight your experience in FMCG and how it aligns with Arla's goals. We want to see how you can contribute to shaping category strategies!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven growth or improved customer relationships in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value diversity and collaboration, so don’t hesitate to show us who you are and what makes you a great fit for our team at Arla.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arla Foods
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the FMCG landscape, especially focusing on dairy products. Understand current trends, shopper behaviours, and how they impact category strategies. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role involves building strong relationships with stakeholders, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or clients in the past. Highlight specific instances where your relationship-building led to successful outcomes, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Translate Data into Action
Be ready to discuss how you've used market insights and data to drive growth in previous roles. Prepare a few case studies where your analytical skills led to actionable plans that resulted in measurable success. This will showcase your ability to translate Arla's strategic growth plans into effective execution.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Team Development
As you'll be leading a diverse team, think about your leadership style and how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Share specific examples of coaching or mentoring that have led to team success, as this will highlight your collaborative and development-focused approach.
