At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape category strategy using shopper insights and market trends to drive growth.
- Company: Leading FMCG business with a strong portfolio and market presence.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, collaborative team, and influence on strategic decisions.
- Other info: Opportunity for genuine influence and career growth in a respected organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing commercial outcomes and engaging with senior decision makers.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management or market research, strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
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 in Scotland 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Development Manager in Scotland
✨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 Denholm Associates 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 Denholm Associates 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 Denholm Associates 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 Denholm Associates. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Development Manager in Scotland
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 Denholm Associates. 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 Denholm Associates:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Denholm Associates’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 Denholm Associates
✨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 Denholm Associates 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 Denholm Associates, 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.
