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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category performance and translate data into actionable strategies.
- Company: Join a fast-growing bakery brand with a reputation for innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and great company perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of bakery products across the UK.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in a Category or Insights role; strong analytical and communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art facility and influence major retail decisions.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 42000 £ per year.
Step up and shape the future of one of the UK’s fastest-growing bakery brands.
The Opportunity
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Whether you’re currently a Category Executive or working in an insights role and eager to move up, this is your chance to join a market-leading, innovation-driven bakery business as their new Category Manager. With a reputation for excellence and a product portfolio that includes both beloved brands and own-label lines, this company is rewriting the rules in the bakery category. From everyday breads to premium morning goods, their products are found in homes across the UK and increasingly, across the globe. Backed by five years of impressive growth, from £200m to £400m in revenue, they’ve launched the fastest-growing bakery brand in the UK and continue to expand through bold NPD, a new state-of-the-art European production facility, and success across Retail, Wholesale, Foodservice, and Export channels. Now, as demand continues to soar, they’re looking to bring in an ambitious, data-savvy Category Manager to join their award-winning team.
What You’ll Do
As Category Manager, you’ll use your insights expertise and commercial awareness to drive category performance across major UK grocery retailers. You’ll act as the bridge between sales and marketing, translating data into strategy, and strategy into results.
- Own and manage category performance across key UK Grocery accounts
- Build collaborative relationships with retail partners, supporting with data-led insights and ad hoc analysis
- Identify trends and growth opportunities to shape category strategies
- Lead compelling presentations for both internal stakeholders and retail partners—including brand planning sessions and reviews
- Support listings and distribution growth with robust, insight-backed rationale
- Keep a finger on the pulse of the market through competitor analysis and regular store visits
Who We’re Looking For
You’ll ideally have 2–3 years’ experience in a Category or Insights role within food or FMCG, and be ready for a step up. You’ll be commercially astute, naturally curious, and confident in turning data into actionable insights. If you love spotting trends, influencing decisions, and seeing your ideas make a tangible impact, this is the role for you.
Key Skills:
- Strong analytical mindset and advanced Excel skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management
- A good understanding of shopper behaviour and UK grocery retail
- Confident presenting complex data in a clear, engaging way
- Commercially driven, collaborative, and ready to grow with the business
Location: Hybrid working – 2–3 days per week at the company’s Bedfordshire HQ
Salary & Benefits: £40,000 – £50,000 + Bonus + Benefits
Interested? For more information or a confidential chat, reach out to Nikki Bott, nikki@fmcgselection.co.uk.
Category Manager employer: FMCG Selection
Contact Detail:
FMCG Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the bakery sector and FMCG. This will not only help you understand the market better but also allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to the company's growth during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who work in category management or insights roles. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections that could provide valuable insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles. Being able to articulate your analytical skills and how they translate into actionable strategies will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s product portfolio and recent innovations. Understanding their brand positioning and competitive landscape will enable you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management or insights roles, particularly within the food or FMCG sectors. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the bakery industry and your understanding of shopper behaviour. Mention specific examples of how you've used data to drive category performance in previous roles.
Showcase Analytical Skills: In your application, emphasise your analytical mindset and advanced Excel skills. Provide examples of how you've turned data into actionable insights that have influenced business decisions.
Prepare for Interviews: If you get invited for an interview, prepare to discuss your experience with stakeholder management and presenting complex data. Be ready to share specific instances where you've identified trends and growth opportunities.
How to prepare for a job interview at FMCG Selection
✨Know Your Data
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data in previous roles to drive category performance. Bring examples of insights you've derived from data and how they influenced decisions.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the bakery sector and the wider FMCG market. Show that you can keep a finger on the pulse by discussing recent developments or competitor strategies during the interview.
✨Prepare Engaging Presentations
Since you'll be leading presentations for stakeholders, practice presenting complex data in a clear and engaging manner. Consider preparing a mock presentation to showcase your ability to communicate insights effectively.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in building collaborative relationships with retail partners. Be ready to discuss how you've supported partners with data-led insights and how you approach stakeholder management.
