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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy, drive growth, and enhance brand performance in a global FMCG business.
- Company: Join a dynamic global FMCG company with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car/allowance, hybrid work model, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping category strategies and building strong retail partnerships.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in FMCG, strong analytical skills, and a passion for food and category management.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Category Manager to join a global FMCG business at their Leeds office. In this role, you will lead the development and execution of the category strategy, driving growth, enhancing brand performance and supporting key retail partners. This role requires a strategic thinker who can build strong external relationships and collaborate effectively across commercial functions.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and evolve the category strategy to drive brand and category growth.
- Manage the brand portfolio by analysing performance and identifying new opportunities.
- Conduct regular store visits to monitor customer behaviour, execution and emerging trends.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key retailers as a trusted category expert.
- Deliver robust insights and commercial storytelling that convert data into actionable plans.
- Lead range reviews and merchandising projects to maximise space, visibility and performance.
- Work with retailers on product placement, pricing, assortment and promotional strategies.
- Contribute to brand strategy during Brand Review Meetings.
- Provide regular commercial updates and contribute to internal performance discussions.
- Monitor account KPIs, identifying risks, opportunities and required interventions.
- Participate actively in account team meetings, sharing insights to drive continuous improvement.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a high-performing team within a well-established organisation, with scope for personal and professional development.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- 2-3 years' commercial experience in FMCG, ideally within a branded or category-focused role.
- Demonstrable experience applying category management principles with major retailers.
- Experience with Circana (IRI) and Kantar; ProSpace desirable.
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret data and generate insight.
- Confident communicator with strong influencing and presentation skills.
- Self-motivated, proactive and driven, with a positive 'can-do' attitude.
- Effective team player with strong collaboration abilities.
- Passionate about food and category management, with an entrepreneurial mindset.
- High integrity, resilience and persistence, even in challenging situations.
Please note, due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every individual. If you have not heard back within 7 days, please assume your application is unsuccessful.
Category Manager employer: Lucy Walker Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Lucy Walker Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the FMCG industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its category strategy. Show them you know their brand inside out and can contribute to their growth. We want to see your passion for food and category management shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your commercial storytelling skills. Be ready to share how you've turned data into actionable insights in past roles. This is key for a Category Manager, so let’s make sure you nail it!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can drive brand performance and develop category strategies!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about category management and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role. Be sure to mention your analytical skills and ability to build relationships with retailers.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact. Whether it's driving growth or enhancing brand performance, we love to see quantifiable results that show how you've made a difference in your previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lucy Walker Recruitment
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the FMCG sector and understand the latest trends affecting category management. Familiarise yourself with the company's brand portfolio and think about how you can contribute to their growth strategy.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've used data to drive decisions. Bring insights from your previous roles that demonstrate your ability to analyse performance and identify opportunities, especially using tools like Circana or Kantar.
✨Build Rapport with Retailers
Think of ways to illustrate your experience in building strong relationships with retailers. Share stories that highlight your communication skills and how you've influenced key stakeholders in past roles.
✨Prepare for Commercial Storytelling
Practice turning data into compelling narratives. Be ready to explain how you've transformed insights into actionable plans that have led to successful outcomes, as this is crucial for the role.
