Category Manager in Hemel Hempstead

Location: The primary location for this role is Hemel Hempstead; however, due to the nature of the position, we are open to applications from across the UK. Occasional travel to the head office will be required for team meetings.

Job Length: Permanent

Working Hours: 37.5

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 (inc bank holidays)
• Access to a range of high street discounts

About the Role

Following the acquisition of Britvic by Carlsberg in January 2025, Carlsberg Britvic has emerged as one of the world's largest drinks companies, boasting an impressive portfolio of brands enjoyed by millions across the UK throughout their day. As Category Manager, you will be an integral part of our commercial growth engine, translating strategy into execution and serving as the commercial lynchpin between customer-specific insight, brand opportunities, and in-outlet activation. You will develop collaborative relationships with retailers and internal partners to deliver robust category plans, identify growth levers, and shape customer agendas that elevate our brands while enhancing our position as a trusted partner. Working primarily with small store and convenience customers, you will focus on 'maximising today and unlocking tomorrow'.

Role Responsibilities:

• Establish strategic relationships with key customer stakeholders, positioning Carlsberg Britvic as a trusted category authority and co-creating impactful solutions that enhance category performance.
• Translate consumer, shopper, and market trends into channel and customer strategies that drive category growth and competitive advantage.
• Lead the execution of category roadmaps through range reviews and initiatives that maximise point-of-purchase outcomes across distribution, range, space, and rate of sale.
• Develop compelling category selling stories and customer immersion experiences designed to influence implementation of category solutions and strategies.
• Lead strategic agendas on critical topics including health and wellness, sustainability, deposit return schemes (DRS), and high fat salt sugar (HFSS) legislation.
• Partner with Insights, Category Strategy, Sales, and Brand/Channel operations teams to embed category thinking in brand planning and commercial execution.
• Set, track, and evaluate performance against space, range, and distribution targets aligned to our range and merchandising blueprints.
• Mentor and develop team members while championing category capabilities across functions.
• Manage allocated category development budgets effectively against agreed customer data contracts and research projects.

Experience and Key Attributes:

• 3-5 years' experience in category, customer marketing, or commercial roles within FMCG or similar sectors, with a proven track record of working directly with customers.
• Strong category management expertise with excellent command of space and range principles and analytical skills to synthesise insights from syndicated and shopper data.
• Outstanding communication and influencing abilities, with credibility in front of customers and the capacity to build and maintain strategic relationships.
• Commercial acumen with understanding of key financial levers and how to optimise them through customer planning and negotiation.
• Degree (or equivalent) in Business, Marketing, Economics, or related field.
• Experience with space planning tools (e.g., JDA) and customer insight platforms such as dunnhumby and PowerBI is desirable.
• Adaptability and composure in a fast-paced environment, with openness to evolving business priorities and routes to market.

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.

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.