At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category management for a global cereal brand, turning data into actionable insights.
- Company: Join Kellanova, a vibrant company at the heart of the commercial agenda.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work environment and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diverse talent.
- Why this job: Shape the future of iconic cereals in major UK retailers like Asda and Morrisons.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a proactive, strategic mindset are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Kellanova is looking for a Category Manager Lead to help shape the future of our global cereal brand by turning data into direction and insight into action. This hybrid, fixed term contract for 12 months role is based in our vibrant Media City office in Manchester, United Kingdom, and sits at the heart of the commercial agenda—where shopper needs, customer goals, and brand ambition come together.
The Category Management Lead will own customer category opportunities end-to-end through the full category management process, from diagnosis to recommendation to delivery. With a sharp eye for what’s happening in-store and online, this person will bring a confident, curiosity-led approach to category analysis, insight development, and storytelling that helps customers and internal partners win together. In this role you will lead our iconic cereal brand across two of the UK’s most trusted major retailers giving you a real opportunity to shape how cereal performs in both Asda and Morrisons.
A Taste Of What You’ll Be Doing
- Omnichannel performance review: Tracking category performance across stores and digital, making sure the in-store picture and online signals tell one clear, joined-up story. Translate what’s happening into practical insights that teams can act on quickly and confidently.
- Customer execution leadership: Supporting and driving best-in-class category execution with two major UK retailers—Morrisons and Asda—bringing pace, focus, and a solutions mindset. Help unlock growth opportunities through reviews, recommendations, and strong follow-through.
- People leadership and coaching: Managing and developing a Category Manager and Category Executive, creating clarity on priorities and building capability through supportive, high-challenge coaching. Balance high standards with an empowering, inclusive leadership style that helps others do their best work.
- Cross-functional collaboration: Partnering closely with RGM, Sales, and Marketing to connect category opportunities to commercial plans, activation, and customer conversations. Be a strong team player who can influence without ego and bring different perspectives into one aligned plan.
- Internal and external benchmarking: Reviewing category performance both internally and externally—spotting trends, competitor moves, and shopper behaviours that matter. Turn analysis into compelling narratives and recommendations that improve decisions, sharpen priorities, and drive measurable results.
We’re Looking for Someone With
- Excellent communication, presentation & influencing skills
- Great relationship building skills to work effectively cross functionally
- Proactive and action orientated
- Strategic thinking
- History of delivering results
- Focus on personal accountability
Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Category Management Lead - Fixed Term Contract 12 months in Salford employer: Kellanova
Kellanova is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Media City, Manchester, where creativity and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a culture that prioritises inclusivity and personal growth, with opportunities for coaching and development within a supportive team. The role of Category Management Lead not only allows you to influence major UK retailers but also empowers you to drive impactful change in a globally recognised brand, making it a truly rewarding career choice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Management Lead - Fixed Term Contract 12 months in Salford
✨Dive into Local Events
Get involved with local marketing and communications events! These are great places to meet people from the industry, learn about temporary roles, and even uncover hidden job leads. Check out local networking events or marketing conferences that might be happening in your area.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a standout digital portfolio showcasing your previous campaigns, writing samples, or projects. Share this on social media and professional groups relevant to marketing-communications. This public visibility can often attract interest from potential employers, especially for those temporary gigs!
✨Utilise Online Job Boards
Focus on job boards specific to marketing and communications. Sites like MarketingJobs.com or even LinkedIn can have temp roles that aren’t always advertised on the usual job sites. Keep your eyes peeled and apply through our website—temp roles can come up unexpectedly, and you want to be first in line!
✨Tap into Your Uni's Resources
If you're still at university, don't forget to lean on your career services for temporary marketing roles. They often have connections to firms looking for interns or temporary staff who can jump in at short notice. Plus, networking with your professors can lead to some valuable opportunities—always worth a chat!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Management Lead - Fixed Term Contract 12 months in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Campaigns:In marketing-communications, it’s all about showcasing your ability to create impactful campaigns. Make sure to include any relevant projects you’ve worked on in your CV, detailing your role, the strategies used, and the results achieved. We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate their creativity and analytical skills!
Tailor Your Writing Samples:For a temporary role, we want to see your versatility and adaptability in communication. Include a couple of writing samples that align with our brand voice or reflect your ability to engage various audiences. This gives us a taste of what you can bring to the team at Kellanova from day one!
Show Off Your Digital Savvy:Digital marketing is a big part of marketing-communications, so make sure your application reflects your understanding of social media, SEO, and content marketing. Feel free to throw in any certificates you've earned in these areas—it shows your initiative and dedication to learning the latest trends!
Express Your Enthusiasm for the Short-Term Role:In your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in this temporary position at Kellanova specifically. Share what you hope to learn during your time with us and how you can contribute to our ongoing projects. We're all about passion and potential, so let that shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kellanova
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
As a candidate for a temporary marketing-communications role at Kellanova, your portfolio will speak volumes. Bring along samples of your best work—think campaigns you've managed, social media content, and any visuals. Be ready to talk through your creative process and the impact your work had on previous projects.
✨Understand the Latest Trends
We know the marketing-communications field moves at lightning speed. Make sure you brush up on the latest trends—such as digital storytelling or the effectiveness of influencer partnerships. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show Kellanova you're not just up-to-date but also eager to innovate.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work on short timelines. Share examples from your past where you had to pivot a strategy or campaign swiftly to meet changing demands. This will reassure Kellanova that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Ready Your Communication Strategy
Be prepared for questions that assess your communication skills. You might get asked to pitch a marketing idea on the spot or create a quick content plan. This is your chance to shine and show how your unique perspective can solve problems for Kellanova, so think on your feet and don't hesitate to showcase your creativity!
