At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform data into insights and influence major UK retailers.
- Company: Join a high-growth, values-led FMCG brand in the snacking space.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working with 3 days in the office and 2 days WFH, plus a competitive salary.
- Other info: This role offers autonomy and visibility in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment where your expertise is valued.
- Qualifications: Strong FMCG experience, high-level Excel skills, and a strategic mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a successful Brand and Own Label business supplying customers across multiple channels, including Retail, Discount and Foodservice. This is a high-profile role within the Commercial team, responsible for shaping category strategy and turning complex consumer, shopper and market data into clear commercial opportunities.
Senior Category Manager
Brand & Own Label food
South West HQ | WFO 2-3 days
£negotiable + Bonus
Role
Reporting to the Commercial Lead, you will lead the category strategy and insight agenda across the business. You will analyse category data to identify emerging trends, category opportunities and areas for growth. Translating these findings into persuasive recommendations, you will support customer ranging, pricing, promotional, merchandising and omni-channel activation plans. You will create compelling category stories through customer-facing presentations, build influential relationships with UK retail customers and manage external data and insight partners.
You
- Experience leading category strategy and insight across UK retail customers
- Advanced knowledge of Nielsen, Kantar and other consumer, shopper and market data
- The ability to convert data into clear, actionable commercial recommendations
- Strong knowledge of ranging, pricing, promotions and merchandising
- Experience creating and presenting compelling category stories to customers
- A track record of influencing both internal stakeholders and external customers
- Experience leading cross-functional projects across Commercial, Sales and Marketing teams
- Previous people management or coaching experience is preferred
- Strong commercial awareness, including budget and financial management
- The confidence to operate with autonomy in a visible and influential position
This opportunity would suit an ambitious and commercially minded category professional who enjoys combining detailed analysis with customer engagement and wants to make a genuine impact within a growing Brand and Own Label business.
Senior Category Manager employer: Henson Recruitment
Join a dynamic FMCG group that prioritises innovation and collaboration, offering a vibrant work culture where your contributions directly impact business growth. With a focus on employee development, you will have access to tailored training programmes and career advancement opportunities, all while working in the picturesque South West region known for its supportive community and quality of life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience with snacking brands. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in category management.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific data tools and software commonly used in FMCG category management. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these tools during interviews can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss case studies or examples where you've successfully influenced retailer relationships or contributed to product development. This will showcase your ability to drive results and your strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and mission thoroughly. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, as this role is with a values-driven brand that prioritises cultural fit alongside skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your FMCG category experience, particularly with UK grocery retailers. Emphasise your high-level Excel skills and any relevant data analysis experience that showcases your ability to transform raw data into actionable insights.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, tell a story about your previous experiences that align with the role. Highlight your strategic mindset and how you've influenced retailer relationships in the past. Make it clear why you are passionate about working with a values-driven brand in the snacking space.
Showcase Analytical Skills:Provide specific examples of how you've used analytical skills to drive business decisions. Mention any experience with P&L financials and how your insights have shaped product development or brand planning in previous roles.
Prepare for Interviews:If invited for an interview, be ready to discuss your approach to cross-functional collaboration. Prepare to share how you've acted as a 'commercial glue' in past roles and how you can elevate category thinking for retailers. Practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henson Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
As a Senior Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to transform raw data into actionable insights. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've used data analysis to influence decisions or strategies in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Storytelling
Since storytelling is key in this role, practice articulating your experiences in a compelling way. Think about how you can weave your insights and achievements into a narrative that highlights your impact on previous projects, especially in the FMCG sector.
✨Understand Retailer Relationships
Research the major UK retailers you'll be working with. Understand their business models and how your potential employer fits into their category strategy. This knowledge will help you discuss how you can elevate their category thinking effectively.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various departments. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with Sales, Marketing, and NPD teams in the past. Highlight your ability to act as a 'commercial glue' that connects different functions.
