Head of Commercial & Category Strategy
Head of Commercial & Category Strategy

Head of Commercial & Category Strategy

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of a 3-year commercial strategy and manage a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join Carlsberg Britvic, the UK's largest multi-beverage supplier with iconic brands.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical options, generous holidays, and high street discounts.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your growth and success.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a thriving industry while shaping the future of beverage strategies.
  • Qualifications: Extensive FMCG experience, strong stakeholder management, and data literacy required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Location: Hemel Hempstead – Hybrid role

Job Length: Permanent

Working Hours: Monday – Friday (37.5 hours per week)

Competitive Salary with extensive benefits:

  • Monthly product allowance – alcoholic & non-alcoholic options available
  • Private Medical options
  • Life Assurance
  • Company bonus scheme
  • Access to 24/7 GP services
  • Enhanced pension contribution
  • Generous holiday (including bank holidays)
  • Access to a range of high street discounts

Carlsberg Britvic is the largest multi-beverage supplier in the UK and is home to some of the most iconic and popular beers and soft drinks, including Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, 1664, Poretti and Brooklyn to ale favourites such as Hobgoblin and Wainwright. For soft drinks, Carlsberg Britvic’s brands include J2O, Robinsons, Tango and London Essence along with the licence rights to the Pepsi portfolio in the UK including Pepsi MAX, 7UP, Lipton Iced Tea and Rockstar Energy. With a strong national footprint, the Carlsberg Britvic business includes 5 production facilities and 15 logistics depots servicing customers up and down the UK. As these two historical businesses have come together, the one common goal remains, and that is ensuring our people succeed.

About this role: The Head of Commercial Strategy & Category Vision is responsible for leading the development of the three year commercial and category strategy for the business. With this agreed, they are then accountable for the translation of this into a compelling narrative (internally and externally), supporting the communication of this, and continuously reviewing the assumptions which underpinned this strategy to determine if it requires update or revision both in and at the end of year. The Commercial Strategy & Planning team own the development of longer term strategic direction and vision of the business, including three year commercial strategies across the portfolio, price/value setting and guardrails, and both internal and external category narratives. This team are the centre for RGM activities, market insights and intelligence, and total category/channel perspectives.

Role Responsibilities:

  • Manage the Commercial Strategy & Category Vision team
  • Lead 3-5 Year commercial strategy development & annual commercial planning, ensuring clear direction into brand and channel strategies & plans.
  • Lead the development and maintenance of the company’s growth vision for total beverage, and cascade into commercially relevant category strategy for both internal & external audiences.
  • Develop and maintain commercialised segment strategies e.g. cola, premium lager
  • Act as priority customers’ ‘go to’ expert for total beverages category vision & advice
  • Lead identified internal strategic projects contributing to or resulting from the strategy development

Experience and Key Attributes:

  • Experienced in stakeholder management/influencing to achieve key business goals
  • Extensive FMCG background, ideally across multiple categories and/or channels
  • Demonstrable category management experience, including data literacy
  • Clear experience of utilising consumer and shopper insights to develop compelling category plans
  • Substantial commercial experience within FMCG industry, and ideally with Beer and/or Soft drinks experience
  • Ability to develop & commercialise long term strategic plans & category thinking (ideally with P&L experience)
  • Effective at prioritisation for self and team with excellent communication skills
  • Tenacious and resilient when it comes to resolving business challenges and prepared to use judgement when the need arises
  • Ability to prioritise and turn multiple sources of data into clear strategic insights, which translate into actionable commercial plans
  • A strong understanding of insight processes and how this information can be used to create strategic recommendations across a variety of different channel clusters
  • Intimately understands channel, brand and consumer mission dynamics
  • A flair for storytelling, delivering key messages into logical and compelling structures
  • Ability to build strong cross functional relationships and deliver trust/credibility

Interested in finding out more? Apply today and a member of the recruitment team will be in touch!

Application Process: We read applications continuously, and vacancies may be filled anytime, so please apply as early as possible. We look forward to receiving your application.

Our commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion: We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences - including those of different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, religions, and socioeconomic statuses. We actively seek to create a safe and inclusive environment for all of our colleagues, where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and inclusive practices are embedded in everything we do. We are happy to support accessibility needs, to ensure a fair and equitable experience for all candidates, so please do let us know if you require any adjustments during the recruitment process.

Head of Commercial & Category Strategy employer: Britvic Soft Drinks

Carlsberg Britvic is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee success and well-being. Located in Hemel Hempstead, this hybrid role provides not only a competitive salary but also extensive benefits such as private medical options, generous holiday allowances, and a company bonus scheme. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive within a supportive environment that values their unique perspectives.
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Contact Detail:

Britvic Soft Drinks Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial & Category Strategy

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FMCG industry, especially those who know Carlsberg Britvic. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into their brands and recent market trends. Show us you know your stuff about their products and how they fit into the broader beverage landscape.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your storytelling skills! You’ll need to convey your vision clearly and compellingly. Think about how you can turn your experiences into a narrative that aligns with their commercial strategy.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial & Category Strategy

Stakeholder Management
Category Management
Data Literacy
Consumer Insights
Commercial Strategy Development
FMCG Experience
P&L Management
Communication Skills
Strategic Planning
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Problem-Solving Skills
Storytelling
Market Insights
Prioritisation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in FMCG and category management. We want to see how your skills align with the Head of Commercial & Category Strategy role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: Since this role involves translating strategies into compelling narratives, use your application to demonstrate your storytelling flair. Share examples of how you've communicated complex ideas clearly and effectively in the past.

Highlight Stakeholder Management Experience: We’re looking for someone who can influence and manage stakeholders effectively. In your application, include specific instances where you’ve successfully navigated relationships to achieve business goals. This will show us you have what it takes!

Apply Early Through Our Website: Don’t wait until the last minute! We read applications continuously, so applying early gives you a better chance. Head over to our website to submit your application and get the ball rolling on your journey with us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Britvic Soft Drinks

✨Know Your Commercial Strategy

Before the interview, dive deep into Carlsberg Britvic's current commercial strategies and category vision. Familiarise yourself with their product portfolio and recent market trends. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and demonstrate your understanding of the FMCG landscape.

✨Showcase Your Data Literacy

Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used data to drive strategic decisions. Highlight your ability to turn complex data into actionable insights, especially in relation to consumer behaviour and market dynamics. This is crucial for a role that requires developing compelling category plans.

✨Master the Art of Storytelling

Since the role involves translating strategies into compelling narratives, practice telling your professional story. Focus on how you've successfully communicated strategies in the past, and be ready to share examples that showcase your flair for storytelling and your ability to engage stakeholders.

✨Build Relationships

Emphasise your experience in stakeholder management during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've built strong cross-functional relationships in previous roles. This will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in achieving business goals, which is key for the Head of Commercial & Category Strategy position.

Head of Commercial & Category Strategy
Britvic Soft Drinks

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