Senior Category Manager – Boots in Newbury

The role

We are looking for a Senior Category Manager - Boots to join its Berkshire -based Sales team and help shape how some of the UK’s best-known consumer brands show up in store.

Reporting to the Head of Category Development UK, you’ll sit at the heart of category strategy, retailer relationships and commercial execution. This is a role where your recommendations won’t simply live in a presentation – you’ll see them translated into range, space, merchandising and shopper decisions.

As Senior Category Manager - Boots, you’ll work closely with National Accounts, Trade Marketing and key retailers including Tesco, Boots, Asda and Sainsbury’s.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver effective 4P execution based on customer, category and consumer insight.
• Build compelling, insight-led category stories for buying and merchandising teams.
• Tailor category plans to support individual retailer strategies and priorities.
• Lead range reviews, space planning and shelf-layout optimisation.
• Embed shopper missions, occasions and behaviours into category recommendations.
• Negotiate solutions with key stakeholders to improve category performance and in-store execution.
• Take initiatives from initial idea through to implementation in store.
• Partner with Trade Marketing on NPD and wider category plans.
• Act as the category expert for internal teams and customers.
• Manage and coach direct reports, setting clear objectives and priorities.

The Benefits

Joining us as a Senior Category Manager - Boots means working with market-leading brands in a commercially ambitious environment where your ideas can have real visibility.

You’ll gain exposure to major UK retailers, work across high-profile categories and have access to a business recognised for strong commercial capabilities and career opportunities.

The person

We’re looking for a commercially sharp Senior Category Manager - Boots who can combine analysis with action.

You’ll bring:

• Strong commercial and category management experience.
• Excellent analytical skills across complex data sets.
• Knowledge of Nielsen/IRI, retailer portal and panel data.
• Confidence influencing senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong presentation, negotiation and storytelling skills.
• Experience turning insight into practical in-store recommendations.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Working knowledge of Spaceman, VST, JDA or similar tools.
• Experience managing, coaching and developing others.