At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy and build strong relationships with key customers in the beverage industry.
- Company: Join Carlsberg Britvic, the UK's largest multi-beverage supplier with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical options, and a monthly product allowance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your growth and development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while working with renowned brands.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in on-trade FMCG category leadership and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Location: Field Based with regular, weekly travel to customers is expected and ad hoc visits to Hemel Hempstead.
Job Length: Permanent – Full Time.
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
- Access to a range of high street discounts
About the role: We are now recruiting for a Senior Category Manager to join our On Trade Strategy & Operations Team. Reporting into the Head of Category, this role will own the development of customer-category visions, manage cross functional initiatives and elevate our presence as a trusted advisor to our customers.
Role Responsibilities:
- Own and deliver the annual category strategy, aligning plans to commercial priorities and managing execution across key customers.
- Translate shopper, consumer and market insights into clear growth strategies that unlock competitive advantage.
- Build trusted, credible relationships with key customers, positioning Carlsberg Britvic as a trusted category partner.
- Lead category storytelling and customer engagement (incl. tools, sell-ins and immersions) to influence adoption of category strategies.
- Manage delivery of category initiatives, trials and range reviews to unlock distribution, range and space growth.
- Provide a clear category POV on key industry topics (e.g. health & wellbeing, sustainability, HFSS, DRS).
- Use customer and loyalty data to shape insight-led recommendations and continuously improve performance outcomes.
- Support team development through leadership and coaching, with an emphasis on collaboration, improvement, and quality outcomes.
- Partner cross-functionally (Sales, Brand, Insights, Strategy) to embed category thinking into planning and execution.
- Own performance delivery across volume, value, share and customer metrics, using learnings to continuously refine plans.
Experience and Key Attributes:
- Extensive on-trade experience within beer and soft drinks.
- Demonstrated background in FMCG category leadership with direct customer accountability.
- Experience delivering market-outperforming customer and channel plans.
- Skilled at simplifying complexity and translating strategy into clear, actionable plans.
- Creates trusted partnerships through open communication and collaboration across all levels.
- Works collaboratively to develop shared growth plans across cross-functional teams.
- Commercially driven with a clear focus on KPIs, execution and delivery.
- Skilled at operating in unclear environments while staying centered on solutions.
- Experienced in leading teams and partnering with senior stakeholders (internally and externally).
- Data-led decision maker, experienced in using market insights and performance data.
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.
This is an exciting time to join our newly formed business – with their incredible individual histories, innovation of products and some of the UK’s most iconic brands, Carlsberg Britvic strives to deliver the best service to our customers and consumers. We aim to make a difference, bringing together two diverse companies, our global reach enables opportunity, growth and a chance to work with some fantastic people.
Senior Category Manager employer: Carlsberg Group
Carlsberg Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture in Hemel Hempstead that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including a monthly product allowance and private medical options, and a commitment to enhancing the colleague experience, this role as a People & Culture Services Team Lead provides a meaningful opportunity to lead and inspire a team in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager
✨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 Carlsberg 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 Carlsberg Group are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
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 Carlsberg 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 Carlsberg 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 Manager
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 Carlsberg 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 Carlsberg Group:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Carlsberg 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 Carlsberg 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 Carlsberg 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 Carlsberg 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.
