At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category growth strategies and shopper engagement across diverse European markets.
- Company: Join Haleon, a leading consumer health company committed to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a focus on digital commerce.
- Why this job: Shape the future of shopper strategy and make a real impact in Europe.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial functions and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Category & Shopper Strategy Director Europe is a senior leadership role within the European Commercial Excellence Team, responsible for shaping and accelerating Haleon's Customer, Category, Shopper, and Digital Commerce agenda across Europe. This role drives the development, localisation, and execution of category growth strategies and shopper engagement frameworks that create value for both customers and consumers across diverse European markets. The role leads a team of experts spanning Category Management, Shopper Insights & Shopper Marketing, Digital Commerce & Digital Shelf Optimisation, Perfect Store Excellence, and Commercial Innovation & Technology. The Director is accountable for building capability across these functions at scale, ensuring consistent deployment of best practices and commercial excellence across European markets. The role also leads Haleon's Shopper Science Lab, translating shopper and customer insights into commercially actionable strategies that accelerate growth and strengthen customer partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead localisation and execution of Haleon's category growth strategies across European markets and key regional customers.
- Develop category leadership frameworks that drive growth for Haleon brands and customer categories.
- Lead generation of shopper insights through the Shopper Science Lab and external partners.
- Establish and continuously improve Haleon's end-to-end Shopper Marketing process across Europe.
- Adapt global and business unit shopper toolkits to reflect local market realities and shopper needs.
- Lead assortment, merchandising, range optimisation, and space management solutions.
- Drive Perfect Store and Picture of Success standards across Europe.
- Lead Digital Commerce capability development, including Digital Shelf Optimisation, Retail Media, and Omnichannel Shopper Engagement.
- Identify and implement emerging tools, AI applications, and analytics capabilities.
- Build scalable commercial capability programmes across Category Management, Shopper Marketing, Digital Commerce, and Perfect Store disciplines.
- Lead strategic category collaboration sessions with Europe's key retail and pharmacy customers.
- Represent Haleon in senior customer engagements and executive‐level category discussions.
Essential Qualifications
- University degree or equivalent commercial experience.
- Significant years of experience across commercial functions within Consumer Healthcare, FMCG, Retail, or related sectors.
- Strong experience across Category Management, Shopper Marketing, Key Account Management, Digital Commerce, Commercial Excellence, and Retail or Brand Marketing.
- Demonstrated experience leading regional transformation and capability‐building programmes.
- Strong digital, data, analytics, and insight‐generation expertise.
- Proven success leading high‐performing teams across multiple markets.
- Deep understanding of European retail, pharmacy, and omnichannel landscapes.
- Ability to travel across Europe (approximately 25%).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in Digital Commerce, Retail Media, and Revenue Growth Management.
- Strong strategic influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working in complex multinational organisations.
- Demonstrated success in building commercial capabilities and scalable operating models.
Key Success Outcomes
- Accelerate category growth and market share across Europe.
- Build best‐in‐class shopper and category capabilities.
- Strengthen category leadership with key European customers.
- Drive omnichannel excellence and Digital Commerce growth.
- Create a scalable commercial excellence agenda across European markets.
- Establish Haleon as the leading shopper‐centric Consumer Health company in Europe.
Equal Opportunities
Haleon is committed to mobilising our purpose in a way that represents the diverse consumers and communities who rely on our brands every day. It guides us in creating an inclusive culture, where different backgrounds and views are valued and respected – all in support of understanding and best serving the needs of our consumers and unleashing the full potential of our people.
It's important to us that Haleon is a place where all our employees feel they truly belong. During the application process, we may ask you to share some personal information, which is entirely voluntary. This information ensures we meet certain regulatory and reporting obligations and supports the development, refinement, and execution of our inclusion and belonging programmes that are open to all Haleon employees. The personal information you provide will be kept confidential, used only for legitimate business purposes, and will never be used in making any employment decisions, including hiring decisions.
Adjustment or Accommodations Request
If you require a reasonable adjustment or accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at Haleon at any stage of the application process, please let your recruiter know by providing them with a description of specific adjustments you are requesting. We'll provide all reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process and treat all information you provide us in confidence.
Category & Shopper Strategy Director - Europe in London employer: Haleon Plc.
Haleon plc. is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, empowering employees to lead impactful projects in brand equity and innovation. With a strong focus on professional growth, we offer extensive development opportunities and the chance to work with diverse teams across multiple countries, all while contributing to meaningful brand success in a vibrant environment. Join us at our innovative location, where your insights and creativity will drive real change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category & Shopper Strategy Director - Europe in London
✨Show Your Creative Side
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We think you need these skills to ace Category & Shopper Strategy Director - Europe in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Haleon Plc.. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Haleon Plc.:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Haleon Plc.’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Haleon Plc.
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As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
