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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategies that excite retailers and shoppers, turning data into actionable insights.
- Company: Join a top FMCG brand known for innovation and exceptional growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, pension, and healthcare.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for significant career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of a leading brand.
- 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 or aidan@fmcgselection.co.uk
Category Manager in Essex employer: FMCG Selection
Contact Detail:
FMCG Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the FMCG space. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, 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
Show off your data skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to turn data into insights. Prepare some examples of how you've done this in the past and be ready to discuss them in interviews. Bring your A-game when it comes to storytelling with numbers!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company inside out! Understand their brand vision, recent growth, and market position. This will not only help you tailor your approach but also show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their exciting journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It’s the best way to ensure it gets noticed. Plus, you can showcase your enthusiasm for the role and the company right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for FMCG: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the FMCG sector shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to drive growth and innovation in this space.
Be Data-Driven: As a Category Manager, you'll need to turn data into insights. Make sure to highlight your experience with key data sources like Kantar or Nielsen in your application. We love seeing how you've used data to influence decisions and drive results.
Tell Your Story: We’re looking for strong storytellers! Use your application to weave a narrative about your career journey, focusing on how your experiences have prepared you for this role. Make it engaging and relatable, so we can see the real you behind the CV.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team!
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 the past to drive category strategies and growth.
✨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 roles. Think about how you can influence decision-making through compelling narratives that resonate with both retailers and shoppers.
✨Understand Retailer Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with the dynamics of the retail environment. Research the company’s key retail partners and be prepared to discuss how you would build trusted relationships with them. Highlight any past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with retailers.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
The ability to turn complexity into clear actions is crucial. Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached solving them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.