We're working with a leading FMCG business with a strong portfolio of market-leading brands and a significant presence across the UK. They are looking for a Category Development Manager to turn shopper insight, market trends and commercial data into recommendations that influence how products are sold and activated in the market.
Operating as part of a central marketing function, this role sits at the intersection of brands, customers and commercial performance. It offers the opportunity to play a key role in shaping category strategy and influencing decision-making across the business.
How you'll make your mark:
You will own the category story from market analysis through to actionable recommendations, helping drive growth and profitability across the portfolio.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop category management strategies that support growth, market share and profitability.
- Translate shopper and consumer insights into recommendations on assortment, pricing, promotion and category development.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity and changing consumer behaviours to identify opportunities and risks.
- Present insight-led recommendations to senior stakeholders and key customers.
- Lead category development projects, including innovation and product launch initiatives, from concept through to delivery.
- Collaborate with commercial, marketing and cross-functional teams to ensure insights are embedded into business plans and decision-making.
What you'll bring:
- Experience within category management, shopper insight, consumer insight or market research, ideally gained within FMCG.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear and commercially relevant recommendations.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver against agreed timelines.
- Confidence presenting insights and recommendations to senior stakeholders and customers.
- Experience working with syndicated data sources and shopper research tools would be advantageous.
What's in it for you:
You'll join a collaborative and high-performing marketing team, reporting into a senior insight leader. The role operates on a hybrid basis and offers excellent visibility across the wider business.
This is a position with genuine influence. You'll work closely with commercial and marketing teams, helping shape the strategic decisions that drive category performance and customer success.
About the business:
Our client is a well-established and highly respected FMCG organisation with a portfolio of recognised brands and a strong market presence across the UK and Ireland. With continued investment in consumer understanding and category capability, the business sees insight-led decision making as a key driver of future growth.
Why consider this role?
Category roles can sometimes become heavily focused on reporting and analysis. This opportunity is different. It offers the chance to work closely with senior decision makers, engage directly with customers and use insight to influence real commercial outcomes. If you're looking for a role where your recommendations genuinely shape strategy and execution, we'd be delighted to speak with you in confidence.
Category Development Manager employer: Denholm Associates
Join a leading FMCG brand that values innovation and quality, offering a dynamic work culture where creativity thrives. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to growth opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact on international markets. Located in the UK, this role provides a unique platform to collaborate with diverse teams and drive brand excellence across global touchpoints.
