At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategies that excite retailers and engage shoppers.
- Company: Join a top FMCG brand with a strong growth story.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, pension, and healthcare.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for impactful contributions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a leading brand in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG category roles and strong data analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
The Company
This is one of the UK’s standout FMCG success stories of recent years. Founded by entrepreneurs with a clear vision to disrupt a traditional category, the business has grown from humble beginnings into a category leading premium brand with a loyal consumer following and exceptional retail presence. Through a relentless focus on quality, innovation, and brand building, the company has not only carved out a distinct position but has redefined expectations within its category, consistently outperforming competitors and driving premiumisation. Today, it is widely recognised as the leading brand within its segment, delivering sustained double digit growth and gaining share year on year in a highly competitive market. Following significant recent investment and acquisition by an international food group, the business is entering an exciting new chapter, fuelled by increased marketing spend, a strengthened innovation pipeline, and ambitious expansion plans across channels and markets. This is a rare opportunity to join a brand that combines entrepreneurial agility with the backing and scale of a global group, and to play a key role in its next phase of growth.
The Role
As Category Manager, you will lead the charge on category strategies that make retailers smile and shoppers come back for more. You will turn data into clear and compelling insights, collaborate with leading retailers, and help deliver a win for retailer, shopper, and brand.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead category strategy and planning that drives growth and shopper engagement
- Identify trends and turn them into opportunities that excite both retailers and shoppers
- Create annual category plans aligned with brand vision and retailer priorities
- Analyse EPOS and panel data to deliver insight led recommendations
- Build trusted relationships with retailers and become their go to category expert
- Optimise assortment, distribution, and space to maximise performance
- Shape pricing and promotional strategies that deliver profitable growth
- Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain to execute best in class plans
- Support new product launches with insight led strategies and manage exit plans for underperforming lines
What We Are Looking For
- Naturally curious with a passion for understanding shopper and category behaviour
- A strong storyteller who can bring data to life and influence decision making
- Commercially astute with a clear understanding of retailer dynamics
- A problem solver who can turn complexity into clear actions
- Comfortable working in a fast paced and high growth environment
- A strong relationship builder who can influence stakeholders at all levels
- A team player with a focus on delivering collective success
Experience Required
- Proven experience in FMCG category, commercial, or strategy roles, typically five years or more
- Strong understanding of key data sources such as Kantar, Nielsen, IRI, and Dunnhumby
- Experience in branded food or drink, ideally within chilled or adjacent categories
- A track record of delivering growth through customer facing category roles
Location and Package
- Hybrid role with one day per week in the Essex head office
- Salary of £50,000 to £60,000
- £6,400 car allowance
- 10% bonus
- Pension and healthcare
Why Join
- Be part of a category leader and one of the most exciting branded growth stories in UK FMCG
- Join a business with proven momentum, strong investment, and clear ambition
- Work in a team where your insights genuinely shape strategy and execution
- Combine the pace of a challenger brand with the backing of an international parent company
- Play a visible role in driving the next phase of category and brand growth
Contact
For more information, please contact Aidan Goodall at FMCG Selection on 01943 667280.
Category Manager in Cambridge employer: FMCG Selection
Join a dynamic and innovative company that is redefining the FMCG landscape, where your contributions as a Category Manager will directly influence strategy and growth. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the unique advantage of being part of a leading brand backed by an international food group, this role offers not just a job, but a meaningful career path in a fast-paced environment. Enjoy competitive benefits including a generous salary, car allowance, and bonus structure, all while working in a hybrid model that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the FMCG industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, make sure to highlight your experience with data analysis and category strategies. Share specific examples of how you've turned insights into action – that’s what will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s brand and market position. Understand their competitors and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and goals – it shows you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any relevant data analysis skills. We want to see how you can turn insights into action!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Share your passion for category management and how your background aligns with our vision. Let us know why you're excited about joining our team!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves turning data into insights, be sure to mention your experience with key data sources like Kantar or Nielsen. We love seeing how you've used data to drive growth in past roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at FMCG Selection
✨Know Your Data
As a Category Manager, you'll need to turn data into insights. Brush up on your knowledge of key data sources like Kantar and Nielsen. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive category growth and influence decisions.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
This role requires you to be a strong storyteller. Prepare examples of how you've brought data to life in previous positions. Think about how you can present complex information in a way that excites both retailers and shoppers.
✨Understand Retail Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the FMCG sector, especially within chilled or adjacent categories. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can create opportunities for the company and how you can leverage them in your category strategies.
✨Build Relationships
Relationship building is key in this role. Think of ways you've successfully influenced stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share your approach to building trust with retailers and how you plan to become their go-to category expert.
