At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category growth by analysing data and collaborating with Tesco.
- Company: Join Mars, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and top-notch learning opportunities from day one.
- Other info: Be part of a purpose-driven team with excellent career development prospects.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic role that shapes category strategies.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience, strong analytical and customer engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This job is with Mars, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
Job Description
Reporting to the Category Leadership Director and working in collaboration with the Senior Category Manager, you'll be responsible for delivering best in class category leadership to drive growth.
Using a mix of market, shopper and customer insights to identify category growth opportunities, you leverage & execute these through excellence in key Category Leadership initiatives, tactics and practices.
In this role, you will partner with the Senior Category Manager to co-create our picture of success and shape strategic plans that bring our category vision to life - delivering a triple win for shoppers, Tesco and Mars.
You will play a key role in shaping range review recommendations, using a variety of data sources to land distribution and Perfect Store recommendations aligned to our channel and brand portfolio strategy.
You will also take ownership of key category projects and lead the category relationship for Tesco Express.
What are we looking for?
- Degree educated or equivalent professional experience.
- Excellent customer engagement skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and provide strategic category guidance.
- Experience in Category Management, with a proven ability to drive category growth and performance.
- Solid understanding of the FMCG industry and retail environment.
- Highly analytical, with the ability to translate data and insights into actionable strategies and customer-focused recommendations.
What will be your key responsibilities?
- Analyse a wide range of data into insight that creates foresight and recommended action which delivers the category triple win.
- High level of energy and proactive drive for results. Can be counted on to deliver seeking opportunities / areas for improvements for self and others.
- Delivers what they say they will, when they say they will and known for their accuracy
- Apply financial rigor and analytical concepts to make sound judgements and quick decisions with full company and industry knowledge.
- Able to influence action from others by understanding needs and articulating benefits, value propositions and business solutions that meet those needs.
- The ability to build strategic alignment with internal and external Customers through developing and leveraging collaborative relationships.
- Understand and contribute to established business planning processes and use available tools efficiently and effectively.
- Ability to build collaborative category relationships with internal and external customers.
- Co-operative, able to find common ground, encourages collaboration, a team player.
- Uses time and resources efficiently. Able to focus on the right areas and manage time effectively.
What can you expect from Mars?
- Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
- Join a purpose-driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
- Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
- An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Category Manager – Tesco
✨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 Mars 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 Mars 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 Mars 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 Mars. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Category Manager – Tesco
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 Mars. 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 Mars:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Mars’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 Mars
✨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 Mars 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 Mars, 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.
