At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage relationships with retailers and drive category growth for iconic brands.
- Company: Join Kraft Heinz, a leading global food company known for its beloved products.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, employee discounts, and wellness perks like gym memberships.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team that values innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in category management; strong analytical and communication skills required.
- Other info: Work from London’s The Shard and engage in community volunteering.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We have an excellent opportunity available for an experienced Category Development Manager to make a difference at Kraft Heinz. This role lies within the UK business unit, reporting into our Category Development Controller as part of our Omnichannel & Sauces teams. The relationship with external retailers, analysis of category performance, and owning the range will be your primary goals. You’ll be working with some of the largest and most loved UK brands, including Heinz Tomato Ketchup, HP Brown Sauce and Heinz Seriously Good Mayonnaise. You’ll be working in a high performing team, alongside peers always trying to reach the next level. Get ready for a lot of exposure to internal senior stakeholders!
What you’ll do:
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with UK retailers to establish Kraft Heinz as the partner of choice.
- Develop insight-led opportunities, driven by shopper needs to be able to drive and deliver category growth.
- Manage the range and planograms in the trade to ensure optimum distribution and space allocation.
- Work with the sales team to land NPD externally and effectively manage range rationalization.
- Lead the rhythm of reporting and analyses of retailer, sub-category and product performance, providing recommendations to improve.
- Be the voice of the customer internally to shape and influence business agenda.
- Bring compelling, actionable insights to influence our internal innovation pipeline and help validate innovation business cases with market data.
- Work with the marketing team to support NPD/campaigns with consumer insight.
What you’ll need:
- Experience in category management/development (guideline 2+ years).
- Previous experience with IRI/Kantar and/or retailer shopper insight platforms.
- Highly numerate and strategic thinking with the ability to analyze market, category and financial data to identify key trends and recommend creative solutions.
- Ideally a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or equivalent experience.
Professional Attributes:
- Consumer and Customer Focus: You demonstrate a passion for the consumer and a genuine curiosity for the customer, thinking of innovative solutions to drive performance.
- Communication Skills: At Kraft Heinz you’ll be exposed to senior management, no matter your level. Therefore it’s important you have excellent communication skills to deal with all kinds of different stakeholders.
- Analytical: We’re a very data driven company. You know how to translate complex data into a simple solution.
- Results driven: You don’t only focus on your own results, but also do what’s best for the company.
- Project management skills: You’re organized, structured, and always have an overview of the deliverables. You know how to bring multiple projects to a successful ending within a given timeframe.
- Great teammate: Achieving with the team is simply the best. You’re a team player, which means you’re sometimes a leader, sometimes a follower, but always working towards the same common goal, together.
What we offer you:
- An ambitious employer with an industry-recognised career development pathway.
- A meritocratic, pay for performance approach.
- A fun, collaborative office culture that celebrates good food and good times with regular events and socials.
- An active network of Business Resource Groups, sponsored by leadership, that promote education, celebration, & allyship, helping to create an inclusive work environment.
- Flexible and hybrid working approach, including ability to work from abroad.
- Family-friendly; market leading parental leave benefits & sponsored nursery scheme.
- Employee discount on Heinz products!
Wellbeing:
- Private medical cover & Digital GP.
- Comprehensive Life Assurance & Group Income Protection.
- Exclusive gym discounts & cycle to work scheme.
- Premium membership to Calm App.
- A variety of amazing sports teams & clubs!
- 3 volunteering days per year (e.g. Soup Kitchen, Magic Breakfast).
Location(s): London - The Shard
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.
Category Development Manager - Sauces employer: Heinz
Contact Detail:
Heinz Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Development Manager - Sauces
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key brands under Kraft Heinz, especially those in the sauces category. Understanding their market positioning and consumer appeal will help you engage more effectively during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the category management field, particularly those who have experience with IRI or Kantar. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to drive category growth in previous roles. Being able to articulate your analytical skills and results-driven mindset will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by engaging with Kraft Heinz on social media or at industry events. Demonstrating your enthusiasm for the brand and its products can make a positive impression before you even apply.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Development Manager - Sauces
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management and development. Emphasise your familiarity with IRI/Kantar and any specific achievements that demonstrate your analytical skills and results-driven mindset.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for consumer insights and how you can contribute to Kraft Heinz's goals. Mention specific examples of how you've developed strategic relationships with retailers or driven category growth in previous roles.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves interaction with senior management and various stakeholders, highlight your communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex data or insights to different audiences.
Demonstrate Teamwork and Project Management: Illustrate your ability to work as part of a team and manage multiple projects. Share experiences where you successfully collaborated with others to achieve common goals, especially in fast-paced environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heinz
✨Know Your Brands
Familiarise yourself with Kraft Heinz's key products, especially the sauces like Heinz Tomato Ketchup and HP Brown Sauce. Understanding their market position and consumer appeal will help you demonstrate your passion for the brand during the interview.
✨Showcase Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data in previous roles to drive category growth. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've analysed market trends and translated complex data into actionable insights.
✨Demonstrate Communication Prowess
Since you'll be interacting with senior management and various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider preparing a few scenarios where effective communication led to successful outcomes in your past experiences.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Highlight your experience as a team player. Share examples of how you've worked collaboratively to achieve common goals, and be prepared to discuss how you balance leadership and support within a team setting.