At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category growth with strategic retail partners and develop actionable strategies.
- Company: Join Bayer, a leader in health and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, wellness programs, and professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture valuing diverse perspectives and ideas.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and sustainability while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree educated with 5+ years in Category Management or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 72000 £ per year.
At Bayer, we believe work should matter. Every day, our teams push toward a future where "Health for all, Hunger for none" is within reach, and every role, from the lab to the field to the boardroom, helps us get there. We give people the ownership to shape outcomes, the support to grow through new skills and experiences, and a global community where different perspectives are valued. If you want your work to count and the room to become your best, you'll find it here.
Location: Reading, UK (Hybrid Working - 2 days per week in the office)
Shape Category Growth with Bayer
At Bayer, we're looking for an experienced Senior Category Development Manager to drive category growth with strategic retail partners across the UK. This role combines category leadership, customer engagement, and data-driven insight to help shape winning strategies, strengthen retailer partnerships, and deliver sustainable business growth.
What You'll Do
- Develop and implement category strategies and customer plans with key retail partners, translating shopper, market, and category insights into actionable growth opportunities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with buyers, senior buyers, merchandising, and planning teams, becoming a trusted category advisor and strategic partner.
- Lead category reviews, promotional evaluations, range optimisation, and fixture recommendations to maximise category performance, shelf presence, and value growth.
- Analyse market trends, shopper behaviour, competitor activity, and retail data to identify opportunities, influence decision-making, and strengthen Bayer's category vision.
- Drive category management best practice across the business, working closely with Sales, Marketing, and Category teams to maximise commercial performance and revenue growth.
- Own customer KPI development and performance tracking while playing a key leadership role within local category teams to support strategic decisions for key brands.
Who You Are
- Degree educated with significant experience in Category Management, Category Development, Category Insights, or Sales.
- Minimum 5 years' experience within FMCG, Consumer Health, OTC, or related sectors.
- Strong understanding of the UK retail environment and category management principles.
- Experienced in building strategic retail partnerships and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Highly analytical, with expertise in shopper, market, and retail insights.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience using data and insight platforms such as IRI, Kantar, or similar tools.
Why Join Bayer?
At Bayer, we're committed to helping our employees grow their careers while making a positive impact. You'll join a collaborative team where your ideas are valued, your development is supported, and your work contributes to ensuring products reach customers when they need them most.
Your Application
“Be You” at Bayer where you have the opportunity to be part of our culture influencing Health for all and Hunger for none. We value our employees and believe that rewarding your contributions is essential to our shared vision. Discover the exceptional benefits awaiting you as a valued member of #Teambayer.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary you can expect: Min £65,000 - £72,000 pa depending on experience. Salary reviews take place annually in April.
- Competitive compensation package consisting of an attractive base salary and annual company bonus.
- Individual bonus can also be granted for top Talent Impact.
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Private Healthcare, generous pension scheme and Life Insurance.
- Wellness programs and support.
- Employee discount scheme.
- International career possibilities.
- Flexible and Hybrid working.
- Help with home office equipment.
- Volunteering days.
- Support for professional growth in a wide range of learning and development opportunities.
The best possible work-life balance is of great importance to us, which is why we support flexible hybrid working model.
Senior Category Development Manager in Reading employer: Bayer Group
Bayer Group is an attractive employer due to its commitment to employee development and a supportive work culture. The company fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and employees have the opportunity to make a significant impact. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Bayer Group provides a platform for professionals to grow and thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Development Manager in Reading
✨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 Bayer Group 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 Bayer Group are looking for.
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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 Bayer Group 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 Bayer Group. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Development Manager in Reading
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 Bayer Group. 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 Bayer Group:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Bayer Group’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 Bayer Group
✨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 Bayer Group 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 Bayer Group, 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.
