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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category growth by building relationships and executing strategic plans with key retailers.
- Company: Join Carlsberg Britvic, a leading multi-beverage supplier in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical options, generous holidays, and 24/7 GP services.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of iconic brands.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in category management or marketing, with strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your success and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: The primary location for this role is Hemel Hempstead; however, 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 hours per week.
Salary: 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
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. With the Off Trade division set to deliver over £1.4 billion in net revenue in 2025, we're poised for even greater growth as a total drinks powerhouse.
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 convenience customers across wholesale symbols and independents markets, you will focus on "maximizing today and unlocking tomorrow" with key accounts such as Booker, Bestway, and Unitas while influencing our field execution plans.
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 maximize 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 synthesize 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 optimize 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.
Category Manager - Wholesale / Symbols & Independents in Hemel Hempstead employer: Britvic
Contact Detail:
Britvic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Wholesale / Symbols & Independents in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 products. Familiarise yourself with Carlsberg Britvic's brands and recent news. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Category Manager role. Highlight your skills in category management and your ability to build relationships with retailers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Carlsberg Britvic.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Wholesale / Symbols & Independents in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our goals at Carlsberg Britvic. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven growth or improved performance in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Britvic
✨Know Your Brands
Before the interview, dive deep into Carlsberg Britvic's portfolio. Familiarise yourself with their key brands and recent market trends. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong analytical abilities. Prepare examples of how you've used data to drive category growth in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like JDA or PowerBI, to back up your insights.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in establishing strategic relationships with customers. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders to create impactful solutions. This is crucial for the role, so make sure to convey your interpersonal skills.
✨Stay Current on Industry Trends
Be prepared to discuss current trends in the FMCG sector, especially around health, wellness, and sustainability. Showing that you're informed about these topics will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the company's values.
