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- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team to drive grocery category growth and influence major retail decisions.
- Company: Global FMCG drinks brand with a focus on innovation and strategic partnerships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership development, and the chance to shape industry strategies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment and lead the future of soft drinks.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in category management or sales, with strong grocery experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to develop a best-in-class team.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Category Management Lead – Grocery to lead a high-performing team and deliver best-in-class soft drinks category management across key UK grocery customers. This role is responsible for building deep, strategic partnerships with major grocery retailers, driving category growth ahead of the market, and delivering “perfect store” execution with a strong focus on main placement.
You will operate at senior customer level, influencing Buying Managers, Heads of Merchandising and Category Directors, while shaping long-term category strategy and future-facing thought leadership.
Key Responsibilities- Lead & Coach the Grocery Category Team
- Lead, coach and develop a team of 4 Grocery Category Managers (overall team of 8)
- Build technical category expertise and coach individuals to their strengths.
- Create a strong talent pipeline for future category and commercial roles.
- Own and lead the grocery-specific category strategy in partnership with the Grocery Channel Manager.
- Develop category principles, projects and plans and deploy them across the channel.
- Drive availability and distribution agendas using store-level data and insights.
- Be the soft drinks expert across core and emerging sub-categories.
- Use world-class shopper and sales insights to grow total category performance ahead of market.
- Stay ahead of market trends, regulation and industry changes (e.g. HFSS, DRS, Soft Drinks Industry Levy).
- Lead the delivery of the NPD pipeline within grocery.
- Use channel-specific data to influence innovation strategy.
- Ensure strong, insight-led selling stories and competitive distribution at launch.
- Build and manage multi-tier relationships across key customers, including: Buying Managers, Heads of Merchandising, Category Directors.
- Influence long-term, strategic decisions that go beyond individual sub-categories.
- Be a key leader within the Customer Marketing leadership team.
- Contribute to overall commercial strategy, team culture and people development.
- Experience:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in category management, sales or retail.
- Strong customer-facing background.
- Grocery experience is essential.
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.
- Confident senior-level influencer.
- Excellent coaching and people leadership skills.
- Highly analytical with strong insight capability.
This is a high-impact leadership role with national responsibility, offering the opportunity to shape the future of the soft drinks category in one of the most competitive retail environments. You’ll work at the forefront of category strategy, influence major commercial decisions, and develop a best-in-class team.
Category Controller - Grocery - Global FMCG Drinks in London employer: New Chapter Consulting
Contact Detail:
New Chapter Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Controller - Grocery - Global FMCG Drinks in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want you to walk in with insights about their category strategy and how you can contribute to their growth. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to confidently articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel like a superstar.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We’re all about making connections, so let them know you appreciate the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Controller - Grocery - Global FMCG Drinks in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Management Lead – Grocery. Highlight your experience in category management and any relevant grocery expertise. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your strategic thinking and leadership skills. Tell us why you’re passionate about the soft drinks category and how you can drive growth. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to show how you've driven category growth or improved team performance. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Chapter Consulting
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and insights in the soft drinks category. Familiarise yourself with key metrics, market changes, and competitor strategies. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Prepare for Senior-Level Engagement
Since you'll be influencing senior customer levels, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with Buying Managers or Category Directors in the past, showcasing your ability to build strategic partnerships.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
As a leader, you'll need to demonstrate your coaching abilities. Think of specific instances where you've developed team members or built a talent pipeline. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you can foster growth within the Grocery Category Team.
✨Bring Insight-Led Selling Stories
Prepare to share insight-led selling stories that highlight your analytical skills and commercial acumen. Use data to back up your claims and show how you've driven category performance in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a strategic thinker.
