At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape category strategies and turn data into actionable insights for growth.
- Company: Join a leading FMCG business in the dynamic drinks industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to influence key decisions.
- Other info: High-impact role with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving strategy across Retail and B2B channels.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong stakeholder influencing skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Are you someone who can turn complex data into clear commercial action? Do you thrive on shaping strategy across both Retail and B2B channels? Ready to influence senior stakeholders and drive measurable growth at scale? MB are partnering with a market-leading FMCG business in the drinks space, looking for a Head of Category Strategy & Insights to drive growth across both Retail and Out-of-Home (OOH) channels. This is a high-impact, strategic leadership role sitting at the intersection of commercial, insights, and category strategy—with real influence over business direction and performance.
You will own the development and execution of insight-led category strategies, translating consumer, shopper, and market data into actionable decisions that accelerate growth. Acting as the bridge between insight and execution, you’ll ensure data sits at the heart of decision-making across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:- Define and deliver long-term category strategies aligned to commercial objectives
- Drive performance through recommendations across range, pricing, promotion, and channel strategy
- Partner with Commercial and Marketing teams to shape Joint Business Plans
- Lead category input into key customer engagements and strategic tenders
- Translate complex data from multiple sources into clear, compelling narratives
- Deliver actionable insights that influence senior stakeholders
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and channel dynamics across Retail and OOH
- Embed best-in-class approaches to insight generation and utilisation
- Own and govern the innovation pipeline and stage-gate processes
- Identify new growth opportunities across products, formats, and channels
- Optimise portfolio strategy across branded and private-label offerings
- Define and track key performance metrics across category and portfolio
- Provide ongoing analysis and recommendations to accelerate growth
- Play a key role in expanding and optimising performance across multiple channels
- Proven track record of delivering category or commercial strategies that drive measurable growth
- Strong experience across Retail and B2B / Out-of-Home channels
- Deep understanding of category management, commercial levers, and profitability drivers
- Advanced experience using syndicated data and translating insights into action
- Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Highly strategic mindset with the ability to execute and deliver impact
- Strong communication and storytelling capability
For more information, please contact Alice Redmond.
Head of Category Strategy & Insights in Kettering employer: MacGregor Black
Join a market-leading FMCG business in the drinks sector, where your expertise as Head of Category Strategy & Insights will be valued and impactful. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to influence key business decisions, this role offers a unique chance to drive growth across both Retail and Out-of-Home channels. Enjoy competitive benefits and a dynamic environment that fosters innovation and strategic thinking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category Strategy & Insights in Kettering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. We want you to showcase how your past experiences align with the role. Use data and insights to back up your claims—show them you can turn complex info into clear action!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company thoroughly before any meeting. Understand their market position, competitors, and recent news. This will help you tailor your insights and demonstrate your strategic mindset during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest and summarising key points discussed can keep you top of mind. We believe this small gesture can make a big difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category Strategy & Insights in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Data Skills:Make sure to highlight your ability to turn complex data into actionable insights. Use specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced strategy or decision-making using data.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor your application to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Show us how your experience aligns with what we're looking for!
Communicate Clearly:Your written application should be clear and compelling. Use storytelling techniques to convey your achievements and how they relate to the role. Remember, we want to see your communication skills shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MacGregor Black
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the data relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with key metrics and insights that drive category strategy. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence decisions in past roles.
✨Craft Your Story
Prepare a compelling narrative that showcases your experience in shaping strategies across Retail and B2B channels. Use specific examples where you’ve turned complex data into actionable insights, and be ready to explain the impact of your decisions.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can demonstrate your exceptional stakeholder management skills. Prepare to discuss how you’ve influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles and how you plan to do so in this position.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Research current market trends and competitor activities in the FMCG drinks space. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how these trends could impact the company’s category strategy and what opportunities you see for growth.
