At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy and drive brand growth with major retailers.
- Company: Join Nestlé, a global leader in nutrition with over 155 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, an attractive salary, bonuses, and fantastic perks.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovation, making a real impact on consumer health.
- Qualifications: Previous category or commercial experience is essential; FMCG experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Business Area: Nestlé UK&I – Coffee
Position: Customer Category Manager (6 month fixed term contract)
Location: Gatwick – Hybrid working: minimum 2 days per week in our office
Salary: Attractive salary, potential discretionary annual bonus and generous pension scheme
Position Summary
Working as part of our Commercial Development Team (CDT) within Nestlé Coffee, we have an exciting and challenging Customer Category Manager position available on a 6 month fixed term contract where you will be responsible for the development, management and execution of our Customer Category Plans for a number of retailers across Mults, VRs & W&C.
Your impact
The purpose of the role is to develop tailor and deploy, at a Customer level, channel and category plans and point of purchase solutions, to deliver Nestlé market share growth and overall category growth, whilst ensuring impartiality with the customer.
- Building external relationships, you will be the first port of call and a trusted source for Buying/Merchandising Teams for any category questions, insight & recommendations.
- Execution of Nestlé Category Strategy, personalisation of the Category Strategy to meet the retailer’s needs and generate engagement and commitment.
- Executing the Category Drivers for the channel within your customer via the delivery of the POP Vision, through adjacency & flow recommendations to retailers at range reviews and throughout the year.
- Deliver best in class insight, engaging retailers with promotional insight to influence the effective use of promotions, developing and implementing best in class examples of latest online and in store executions.
- Deep understanding of the role of the Shopper within your Customer.
- Lead the Category agenda within the ICP process, ensuring our internal plans are fit for purpose for our customers.
- Closely monitor industry and competitor activity, to ensure our strategic commercial vision is in line with market demands in a constantly changing, competitive environment that we work in.
Your ingredients for success
- Category or Sales experience, with a demonstrable record of success in delivering growth for Nestlé & our customers.
- Strong data analysis and ability to draw out the key insights along with recommended actions to be taken.
- Ability to build strong relationships internally and externally within matrix and multifunctional teams.
- Understand the importance of working in a customer centric way.
- Evidence of flexibility and agility and use of initiative to solve challenges rapidly and often creatively.
- Love of learning, understanding 'why?' and ability to share this both externally and internally in a compelling way.
What you need to know
Advert posting date: 12/05/2026; Advert closing date: 26/05/2026.
At Nestlé, our values are rooted in respect and we believe that embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment allows everyone to reach their full potential and drives innovative thinking. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all gender identities, ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, parents, carers and members of the LGBT+ community. Please let us know if we can provide accommodations to ensure your full participation in the application process.
We take pride in championing inclusion and diversity. We proudly signed the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter, are committed to Disability Confidence, and have been recognised as a Times Top 50 Employer for gender equality for three consecutive years. Additionally, we are a headline partner of Diversity and Inclusion in grocery.
Customer Category Manager in Crawley employer: Nestlé SA
Nestlé is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Gatwick with hybrid working options that promote a healthy work-life balance. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters a culture where every employee can thrive, while our focus on professional development ensures that you have the opportunity to grow your career within a globally respected brand. With attractive salaries, potential bonuses, and a range of fantastic benefits, joining Nestlé means being part of a team that values innovation and collaboration in driving category growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Category Manager in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Nestlé's product range and their approach to nutrition. Understanding their brand values and how they position themselves in the market will help you align your insights and strategies with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience in category management. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends in consumer behaviour and retail strategies. Being able to discuss recent developments and how they impact category growth will demonstrate your proactive approach and analytical skills during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced decisions or collaborated with teams, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Category Manager in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management and commercial strategy. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand the role and its requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Share specific examples of how your previous experience aligns with the responsibilities of a Customer Category Manager, particularly in driving category growth and building relationships.
Showcase Analytical Skills:Since the role requires strong analytical capabilities, include examples of how you've used data to drive business decisions or identify opportunities in past roles. This will show that you can bring valuable insights to Nestlé.
Highlight Relationship Building:Emphasise your ability to build and nurture relationships with stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or external partners to achieve common goals, as this is crucial for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nestlé SA
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Customer Category Manager. Familiarise yourself with how category management works in the FMCG sector and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these expectations.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires strong analytical capabilities, prepare examples of how you've used data to drive business decisions in the past. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your insights led to successful outcomes.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Establishing a connection with your interviewers is crucial. Practice active listening and engage with their questions thoughtfully. Show enthusiasm for the role and the company, as building trust is key in category management.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate ambiguity. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully tackled challenges and turned them into opportunities.
