At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category strategy and build relationships with key customers in the drinks market.
- Company: Join innocent, a leading drinks company on a mission for healthier living.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private healthcare, birthday off, and free smoothies.
- Other info: Diverse workplace culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how our drinks are presented and sold.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG, strong data analysis, and relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Here at innocent, we’re on a mission to make it easier for everyone to get more fruit and veg into their bodies. We started back in 1999 and since then we’ve gone from selling a few smoothies at a music festival to becoming one of Europe’s biggest drinks companies with around 1,000 people (and the B Corp seal of approval). It’s nice to be able to say things like that but we’re not patting ourselves on the back just yet. We want to show everyone that it’s possible to be a successful business while looking after people and the planet too, so we’re trying to get better in pretty much every way. And that’s where this job comes in.
We’re looking for a Category Manager to join our UK & Ireland (UKI) Go To Market (GTM) Category team, focusing on High Street, Food service and On Trade channels. This is a key role helping us grow the innocent category in places people grab drinks on the go, from coffee shops to contract caterers. You’ll bring together insights, commercial thinking and strong relationships to shape ranges, unlock growth and make sure our drinks show up in the right way, in the right places.
In exchange for helping us do business in the right way, you’ll get a solid rewards package that includes a salary, private healthcare, a target-based bonus, and a bunch of other nice things like a day off on your birthday. And yes, you get free smoothies.
We also know that not all our drinkers come from the same background, or think the same – so why should we? At innocent, we want to be a great place to work where a diverse bunch of people from all backgrounds can turn up and thrive. When we hire, we want all the juice, bits, and pulp that make you who you are.
You’ll be:
- Owning category strategy across High Street, Food service and On Trade customers
- Acting as the category expert for key customers like Boots, WH Smith, Costa and contract caterers
- Building strong relationships and bringing clear, category led recommendations to customers
- Supporting Sales with range reviews, new listings, tenders and Joint Business Plans (JBP)
- Leading range and space optimisation across different formats (from impulse to casual dining)
- Turning data and insights into clear, actionable plans that land in market
- Tracking performance across customers and channels, spotting risks and opportunities
- Partnering with Marketing on activation, innovation and storytelling for our Coconut Water range
You’ll have:
- A strong track record in category, insights or commercial roles within FMCG
- Experience working with customers and translating data into clear recommendations
- Confidence working across different channels and adapting your approach accordingly
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- A commercial mindset with the ability to spot growth opportunities
- The ability to simplify complex data into clear, compelling stories
You’ll get:
- Real ownership of a diverse and fast moving set of channels
- Exposure to key customers and the opportunity to shape how innocent shows up in market
- Close collaboration with Sales, Marketing and Insights teams
- The chance to influence range, space and activation decisions end to end
- Hands-on involvement in innovation and category strategy, including our Coconut Water range
- A role where your thinking directly impacts growth and customer relationships
Category Manager employer: innocent Limited
At innocent, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-driven employer that values diversity and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Category Manager in our UK & Ireland team, you'll enjoy a rewarding benefits package, including private healthcare and a day off on your birthday, while having the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our mission to promote healthier choices. Join us in a vibrant environment where your insights and creativity will help shape the future of our products and contribute to a sustainable business model.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like innocent Limited.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from innocent Limited!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like innocent Limited, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at innocent Limited, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at innocent Limited, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at innocent Limited.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to innocent Limited. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at innocent Limited. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at innocent Limited
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to innocent Limited’s mission.
