At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category management for iconic cereal brands and drive insights into action.
- Company: Join Kellanova, a dynamic company shaping the future of snacking.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work environment, competitive salary, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diverse perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major retailers like Asda and Morrisons.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a proactive, strategic mindset required.
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. They’ll 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. They’ll 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. They’ll 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. They’ll 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. They’ll 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: Loyalty Rules
Kellanova is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Media City, Manchester, where creativity and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises personal growth and development, with opportunities to lead iconic brands and drive impactful results across major UK retailers. With a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, Kellanova fosters a workplace where every voice is valued, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Management Lead - Fixed Term Contract 12 months in Salford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Kellanova's brands and values, and think about how your skills can help shape their future. This will not only boost your confidence but also show them you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral—definitely a win!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by practising your storytelling skills. Think of examples from your past that highlight your strategic thinking and results-driven mindset. Make sure you can clearly articulate how you've tackled challenges in category management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Management Lead - Fixed Term Contract 12 months in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Management Lead role. Highlight your experience in category management and how it aligns with Kellanova's goals. We want to see how you can turn data into actionable insights!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires excellent communication and influencing skills, don’t shy away from demonstrating these in your application. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated insights or strategies in the past.
Highlight Your Strategic Thinking:We’re looking for someone with a knack for strategic thinking. In your application, share specific instances where your strategic approach led to successful outcomes. This will show us that you can think critically about category performance and shopper behaviour.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Loyalty Rules
✨Know Your Data
As a Category Management Lead, you'll need to turn data into actionable insights. Before the interview, brush up on relevant data analysis techniques and be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions and recommendations.
✨Understand the Retail Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the cereal category, especially within Asda and Morrisons. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how these trends could impact category performance and what strategies you would implement to leverage them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves managing a team, so think about your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coached and developed team members in the past, and how you create an inclusive environment that empowers others.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaboration is key in this role. Think of instances where you've worked with different teams, like Sales or Marketing, to achieve a common goal. Be ready to discuss how you can influence without ego and bring diverse perspectives together.
