At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy and drive growth across key retail customers in the UK.
- Company: Join LIPTON Teas & Infusions, a global leader in tea with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work environment, competitive salary, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced role while enjoying free tea!
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
LIPTON Teas & Infusions is the world’s leading tea business, home to iconic, purpose‑driven brands like Lipton, Pukka, Tazo, T2, Lyons and PG Tips. We craft great teas for every occasion, to bring joy and inspire a healthier lifestyle. Guided by our values of people first, ownership, passion for excellence, and consumer and customer centricity, we create long‑term value for our people, trade partners, suppliers, and the communities where we operate.
Your role
We are recruiting an externally driven Category Lead to join our UK team and lead category strategy while driving category growth across key retail customers. This role is critical in developing insight-led strategies, influencing senior stakeholders, and delivering category value through data, shopper insight, and execution excellence. The role will manage 3 direct reports and report into the UK & Ireland General Manager.
Your key tasks:
- Act as the expert on category and tea, leveraging data partners to deepen insights
- Lead category strategy development and execution across UK retailers
- Build strong relationships with key retail stakeholders
- Partner with Commercial and Marketing teams to drive growth and mitigate risks
- Deliver insights and category analysis to leadership teams
- Support pricing and promotional strategy development
- Translate complex data into actionable insights and trade stories
- Lead and develop the Category team
Stakeholder Management and Key Interfaces:
- UK & Ireland General Manager
- Commercial and Marketing teams
- UK & Ireland Leadership Team
- Global marketing and category teams
- Major UK retail customers
- External data and insight partners
What you bring:
- Strong experience in category management within FMCG
- Experience leading teams
- Strong analytical capability (Nielsen/Kantar/Dunnhumby)
- Ability to translate complex data into clear narratives
- Strong presentation and influencing skills
- Advanced Excel and PowerPoint
- Commercial mindset with focus on growth
Who we are looking for:
- Analytical and insight-driven
- Confident communicator
- Strong relationship builder
- People leader
- Commercially focused
- Thrives in fast-paced environments
What to expect from us:
We know that the whole recruitment process can be stressful, so we promise to make it as straightforward as possible. Our process is usually 2-3 stages (depending on the seniority of the role) and we are aiming to review every CV within 2 weeks.
We are an organization committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. We are interested in every individual bringing their whole self to work and this includes you!
Head of Category employer: Lipton
At LIPTON Teas & Infusions, we pride ourselves on being a people-first organisation that values ownership, passion for excellence, and consumer-centricity. As the Head of Category, you will thrive in a dynamic hybrid work environment in London, where you can lead a talented team, drive impactful category strategies, and enjoy unique benefits like complimentary tea. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that supports your professional growth and encourages diverse thinking, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Lipton and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Lipton are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Lipton on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Lipton. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Lipton. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Lipton:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Lipton’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lipton
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Lipton will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Lipton, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
