Category Manager in Belfast

Musgrave is one of Europe’s most successful family-owned businesses, with a rich 150-year legacy in food and brand innovation. We're proud to serve communities across Ireland and Spain, feeding one in three people every day through 18 iconic brands like SuperValu, Centra, Mace, Frank and Honest, and Musgrave MarketPlace. By supporting thousands of retail and foodservice family businesses, we make a positive impact on the communities they serve. We're committed to becoming the most trusted and sustainable business in Ireland, and we're looking for dynamic, forward-thinking individuals to join us on this journey.

As part of the Growing Good Business Agenda, the role of Category Manager is to deliver a market leading offer that meets consumer and retailer needs while improving overall profitability. This will be achieved through the development of appropriate category strategies and by leading and developing a cross functional team responsible for designing and delivering this offer. These strategies will be delivered through strong supplier and retailer partnerships which enable effective sourcing and supply of products of the agreed quality, at optimum prices, in a timely manner.

What you’ll be doing:

• Develop an appropriate trading strategy for the Category to achieve sustainable long-term revenue, margin, quality and market share growth targets in line with the overall business strategy.
• Develop annual category plan, targets and budgets and approving sub-category plans with each Trading Manager.
• Input and provide direction to the commercial strategy including the development of appropriate product ranges through Category Management principles which are consistent with the Company’s brand position and profit objectives.
• Devise and implement appropriate operating processes, systems and procedures to ensure sustainable and consistent delivery of high quality, repeatable outputs and business results.
• Deliver the required operational and financial performance of the category.
• Develop excellent long term supplier and Retailer relationships through the use of Joint Business Plans with suppliers and through various Retailer engagement activities including store visits, retailer meetings and forums.
• Assess customer loyalty issues and identifying ways to increase in line with Musgrave expectations.
• Develop and deliver Promotional Activity in accordance with the promotional cycle and in line with the Marketing/Commercial strategy of the business and category strategy.
• Manage and engage the Category team and ensure that all members have the necessary skill sets, resources and support to achieve their objectives in accordance with our organisational values.

What we are looking for:

• 3 years+ of progressive experience in a Senior Commercial position managing a significant Trading Portfolio with a proven track record of delivering a commercial strategy and exceptional results.
• Proven people management and leadership experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and influencing skills and an ability to interact at all levels of the organization and manage multiple commercial projects simultaneously.
• Strong customer focus and commitment to customer service excellence.
• Structured, organised and methodical with a deadline focus.
• Track record of leading a cross functional trading team focused on delivering commercial results in a fast moving environment.
• Strategic thinking and planning skills.
• Strong commercial acumen.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly numerate and strong on data analysis and interpretation.

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of the Northern Irish, Irish and UK grocery industry a distinct advantage.
• Sound category management experience in the retail / wholesale trade.

What we Offer or Why Musgrave:

• Career Development: With a commitment to your personal and professional growth, Musgrave offers numerous opportunities for advancement and learning.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a passionate team, where your contributions will make a significant impact.
• Innovation Focus: Be part of a company that values forward-thinking solutions.
• Community Focus: Be part of a company that truly values its communities and strives to make a positive impact.
• Be Part of a Legacy: Join a company with a long-standing commitment to community and innovation.

Musgrave is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates. If we can make any accommodations to enable you to be the best version of yourself during the interview, please let us know. Musgrave operate a Work Smart hybrid working model where you can alternate your time between connecting and collaborating in the business and working remotely.