At a Glance
- Tasks: Support category strategies and analyse market data to drive sales.
- Company: Join a leading food company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and enjoy a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your career while working with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Analytical skills and a passion for category management are essential.
- Other info: Great opportunity for growth and learning in a dynamic team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Category Development Executive to join our team and support the delivery of best-in-class category strategies across a major food category. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone early in their category, commercial or insight career who is ready to develop their skills and make a real impact.
As a key member of our Category Development team, you will:
- Support the delivery of annual customer category plans, using insight to influence range, merchandising and promotional strategies.
- Lead elements of range reviews, seasonal analyses and gap assessments to support customer decision-making.
- Deliver merchandising recommendations, store trial evaluations and point‑of‑purchase initiatives.
- Analyse category, shopper and market data to uncover trends and opportunities.
- Produce regular category performance reporting for customers and internal teams.
- Support customer‑specific category projects designed to grow sales and profitability.
- Become a ‘power user’ of key insight tools and data systems, extracting meaningful insights.
- Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Insight teams to bring category strategies to life.
We’re interested in hearing from people who have:
- Some understanding of the Category Management process and the role of insight in shaping customer decisions.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable recommendations.
- Confident communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint essential).
- Familiarity with market data sources such as IRI/Kantar or retailer insight platforms (advantageous, not essential).
- Experience of working with retailers or within FMCG/food manufacturing is a plus.
- Curious, commercially‑minded and proactive.
- Able to build relationships and collaborate effectively.
- Organised, detail‑focused and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Driven to learn, develop and deliver high-quality work.
- Comfortable taking ownership and using initiative.
Category Executive in Barnsley employer: Blakeney Point Search & Selection
Contact Detail:
Blakeney Point Search & Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Executive in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its category strategies. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Category Executive, you’ll need to communicate insights effectively. Grab a friend or family member and run through your ideas. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll shine in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Executive in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight any relevant experience in category management or data analysis to show us you’re a great fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity. Share specific examples of how your background aligns with our needs, especially around insights and collaboration with teams.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since we’re looking for strong analytical skills, don’t shy away from showcasing any projects or experiences where you’ve interpreted complex data. We want to see how you can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blakeney Point Search & Selection
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the food category you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and market data. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you discuss how you can contribute to category strategies.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used data to make decisions or recommendations. Think about how you can translate complex data into actionable insights, as this is crucial for the role. Practising how to present these examples clearly will impress your interviewers.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to influence stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on how you present your ideas and recommendations. This will help you feel more at ease during the actual interview.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
The role involves working closely with various teams, so be prepared to discuss your experience in collaboration. Think of examples where you've successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal. Highlighting your ability to build relationships will show you're a great fit for their team.