Category Executive in Slough

Category Executive in Slough

Slough Full-Time 47250 - 57750 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support category strategies and drive performance through market insights and product development.
  • Company: Leading UK foodservice business with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: £30,000 salary, additional benefits, and excellent career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Collaborate across teams and gain exposure to various commercial activities.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the food industry while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in category management or related fields, with a passion for food and marketing.

The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.

Are you commercially minded, passionate about food and looking to develop your career within category management?

We’re working with a leading UK foodservice business looking to recruit a Category Executive to join its established commercial team.

This is a varied role offering exposure across category strategy, customer and competitor insight, new product development, range optimisation, marketing and commercial performance.

Working closely with Category Managers and teams across Buying, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Technical and National Accounts, you’ll help ensure the business has the right product ranges and propositions to meet changing customer needs.

This could be an excellent opportunity for someone currently working within category, buying, commercial, product or food marketing who is looking to take the next step in their career.

The Role

As Category Executive, you’ll support the development and delivery of category strategies, using customer, competitor and market insight to identify opportunities and drive category performance.

Your responsibilities will include

  • Supporting Category Managers in developing and delivering insight-led category strategies.
  • Gathering and analysing market, customer and competitor insight to support category and range reviews.
  • Undertaking competitor reviews and supporting customer research to ensure ranges meet the needs of different customers and channels.
  • Identifying gaps within existing ranges and opportunities for new product development.
  • Supporting the development and launch of new own-brand products.
  • Contributing to range optimisation and making recommendations around the overall product proposition.
  • Identifying opportunities to grow own-brand, branded and exclusive product ranges.
  • Working with internal teams to turn category strategy into effective customer-facing activity.
  • Supporting product launches, promotional activity and wider category initiatives.
  • Helping create product and category content across digital and printed channels.
  • Working closely with Sales and National Accounts to ensure category plans reflect customer requirements.
  • Collaborating with Technical and food specialists to maintain product quality and ensure product information and packaging meet the required standards.
  • Supporting internal and external events and other category initiatives.
  • Helping ensure category projects and marketing activity are delivered on time and to the required standard.

About You

We’re interested in speaking with commercially minded candidates who enjoy working with products, customers and data and can build strong relationships across different teams.

You’ll ideally have

  • Experience within category management, buying, commercial, product or marketing.
  • Previous experience within foodservice, food manufacturing, retail, wholesale or a related FMCG environment would be advantageous.
  • A genuine passion for food and/or product marketing.
  • Strong commercial awareness and the ability to interpret customer and market insight.
  • Experience working with multiple internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
  • The confidence to influence and communicate with people at different levels.
  • Strong organisational, planning and time-management skills.
  • A proactive and results-focused approach.
  • The confidence to challenge existing ways of working and contribute new ideas.
  • Good attention to detail and the ability to manage several projects and priorities simultaneously.
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

We’d also be interested in hearing from candidates currently working as a Category Assistant, Buying Assistant, Assistant Buyer, Commercial Executive, Product Executive or Marketing Executive who have relevant experience and are looking for an opportunity to progress.

  • The Package
  • £30,000 basic salary
  • Additional company benefits
  • Excellent opportunity to develop your career within category management
  • Broad exposure across Buying, Sales, National Accounts, Marketing, Supply Chain and Technical teams
  • Opportunity to work within a large, established foodservice business and develop your commercial and category management experience

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career within category management.

You’ll work alongside experienced Category Managers while gaining exposure to a broad range of commercial activities, from analysing customer and competitor trends and supporting range reviews through to new product development, marketing activity and identifying opportunities for category growth.

The position offers plenty of variety and the opportunity to work collaboratively with teams across the wider business, giving you an excellent platform from which to develop your commercial and category management experience.

If you’re commercially minded, passionate about food and looking for the next step in your career, we’d be keen to hear from you.

Apply today for a confidential conversation and further information.

Category Executive in Slough employer: LEVEL UP RECRUITMENT Careers

Join a leading UK foodservice business that values your passion for food and offers a dynamic work environment where you can thrive. As a Category Executive, you'll benefit from a supportive culture that encourages collaboration across various teams, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development in category management. With a competitive salary and additional benefits, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact while advancing their career in a vibrant industry.

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Contact Details:

LEVEL UP RECRUITMENT Careers Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Executive in Slough

✨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 LEVEL UP RECRUITMENT Careers.

✨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 LEVEL UP RECRUITMENT Careers!

✨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 LEVEL UP RECRUITMENT Careers, 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 LEVEL UP RECRUITMENT Careers, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!

We think you need these skills to ace Category Executive in Slough

Category Management
Market Insight Analysis
Customer Insight Analysis
Competitor Analysis
New Product Development
Range Optimisation
Commercial Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at LEVEL UP RECRUITMENT Careers, 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 LEVEL UP RECRUITMENT Careers.

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 LEVEL UP RECRUITMENT Careers. 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 LEVEL UP RECRUITMENT Careers. It shows you're committed to your professional development.

How to prepare for a job interview at LEVEL UP RECRUITMENT Careers

✨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 LEVEL UP RECRUITMENT Careers’s mission.