At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategies and deliver insight-led advice to drive growth for retailers and brands.
- Company: Join Ferrero, a global leader in sweet-packaged foods with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive perks, career development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact by shaping category plans and influencing innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG and category management with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
As Customer Category Manager, you will act as a trusted partner to both customers and internal stakeholders, playing a key role within the Customer Category, Trade Marketing and Sales teams. This position is focused on delivering objective, insight-led category advice that supports growth for both the retailer and our brands.
You will lead the development of category strategies, using a deep understanding of shopper, consumer and market dynamics to drive distribution, share of shelf and long-term strategic collaboration. Working closely with customers, you will help shape joint category plans, influence innovation pipelines, and contribute to the creation of new segments.
You will also play an important role in range reviews, merchandising strategy and in-store execution, while supporting the Head of Customer Category on broader macro changes within the aisle. In addition, you will be responsible for the line management and development of a Category Executive.
Main Responsibilities:You will be accountable for delivering best-in-class category performance analysis, taking ownership of translating market, shopper and consumer insights into clear, actionable recommendations for customers. This includes leading period reporting and ensuring accurate, insightful commentary on category performance, while proactively identifying risks and opportunities.
You will play a key role in customer range reviews, managing analysis to uncover distribution and ranging opportunities, and contributing to the end-to-end review process. Alongside this, you will develop and deliver compelling category sell-in stories, supporting innovation launches and identifying opportunities for range extensions based on strong category rationale and commercial insight.
Building strong, collaborative relationships is central to the role. You will work closely with Sainsbury's and Waitrose to strengthen category partnerships, while also leading cross-functional engagement internally across Sales, Trade Marketing and insight teams. Through these relationships, you will ensure alignment on category priorities and drive a consistent, strategic approach to growth.
About You:You bring strong experience within FMCG and a solid foundation in category management, with a clear understanding of how to translate data into actionable insight. You are highly analytical and comfortable working with a range of insight sources such as Dunnhumby, Nielsen and Kantar, alongside advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
You are a confident communicator with strong influencing and relationship-building skills, able to engage both internal stakeholders and external customers effectively. You are comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and are proactive in identifying opportunities to drive category growth.
Experience in managing or developing others would be advantageous, along with a passion for working collaboratively to deliver best-in-class category strategies.
Customer Category Manager - JS & Waitrose in London employer: Ferrero
Ferrero is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a collaborative work culture where innovation thrives. As a Customer Category Manager, you will benefit from a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion, alongside access to comprehensive career development opportunities. Located in the heart of the FMCG sector, Ferrero provides a unique chance to influence category strategies for renowned brands while working closely with major retailers like Sainsbury's and Waitrose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Category Manager - JS & Waitrose in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Sainsbury's and Waitrose. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your analytical skills! Prepare some insights or case studies related to category management before interviews. This will demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling! When discussing your experiences, frame them as compelling narratives that highlight your achievements in category strategies and relationship building.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Category Manager - JS & Waitrose in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Customer Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in FMCG and category management, and show how your skills align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires a strong analytical mindset, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive insights and recommendations in your previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into actionable strategies!
Communicate Clearly:Your written application is your first chance to impress us, so make it count! Use clear and concise language, and ensure your passion for category management shines through. Remember, we’re looking for confident communicators who can build relationships!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ferrero
✨Know Your Data
As a Customer Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on your knowledge of key data sources like Dunnhumby, Nielsen, and Kantar. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in the past to drive category growth and make actionable recommendations.
✨Build Strong Relationships
This role is all about collaboration, so think about examples where you've successfully built relationships with both internal teams and external customers. Prepare to share how you’ve influenced stakeholders and contributed to joint category plans in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to talk about your experience in developing category strategies. Think of specific instances where your insights led to successful outcomes, such as range reviews or merchandising strategies. Highlight your ability to identify risks and opportunities in the market.
✨Communicate Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to present a category sell-in story, so consider preparing a mini-presentation that showcases your storytelling abilities and strategic insights.
