Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive distribution and enhance commercial performance across various channels.
- Company: Join Nichols, the home of Vimto, with a rich heritage and innovative spirit.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, private medical cover, birthday off, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for community volunteering.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team where your ideas can make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in Category Management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are Nichols - the home of Vimto, and there is no other business quite like ours! We have been making life taste better since 1908. Every day here is bursting with flavour – from the loved brands we’re proud to share with the world, to the energy, ambition and innovative ideas that fizz through our teams. Our varied brand portfolio spans the still, carbonated, post‑mix and frozen drinks categories – so you will find us in your local supermarket, pub and leisure outlet. We also work with the UK’s leading food manufacturers to provide a truly unique range of products that everyone loves. At the heart of everything is our rich family heritage, an unrelenting ambition to keep innovating, and a true pride in who we are. This is a place where you can be yourself, speak up, and get stuck in. We celebrate the wins, cheer each other on and keep things fizzing with positivity. From leaders who listen to teammates who’ve always got your back, its work that feels as good as it tastes!
We take a refreshingly agile approach to how we work, combining the energy of being together in the office with the flexibility of working from home. You’ll be office‑based three days a week, with core hours designed to help you balance work and home life. Nichols is where serious fun meets real opportunities – and where work tastes better.
About the Opportunity
As Category Manager you will play a pivotal role in driving distribution, generating insight, and enhancing commercial performance across Grocery, Discounters, Digital, and emerging channels. This role combines creative thinking with deep analytical capability to deliver insight‑led actions that support customer growth and strengthen brand performance.
The Role Will Include
- Identify and unlock distribution opportunities across existing ranges and retailers.
- Drive new distribution for NPD/EPD and identify whitespace opportunities.
- Deliver core KPIs including brand health metrics and performance scorecards.
- Conduct deep‑dive category analysis across Nichols’ core categories.
- Build shopper understanding using Dunnhumby and Nectar360.
- Conduct full 360‑degree promotional analysis using NIQ.
- Manage and process purchase orders accurately.
- Own and optimise the Category Management reporting hub.
About You
- Previous Category Management/Analysis experience within an FMCG environment.
- Commercial Awareness.
- Strong analytical capability to interpret data and extract insights.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and experienced with Nielsen IQ, Kantar, Numerator, Circana, TWC, Dunnhumby, Nectar360.
- A collaborative approach with a creative mindset.
Benefits of Working With Us
- 25 days holiday (with opportunity to buy extra every year).
- Option to join our private medical cover scheme.
- Enhanced Primary Carers leave and sick pay.
- Your birthday off work.
- Free on site parking.
- 1 day a year off work to volunteer in the community (you choose when and where).
- Help yourself to our drinks when at one of our sites.
- Staff shop with discounts on our products.
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe diverse teams perform at their best, and we welcome people with different backgrounds, life experiences, perspectives and ways of thinking. Any job offer is subject to an individual’s Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas.
Category Manager - 12 Month FTC in Newton-le-Willows employer: Nichols plc
Contact Detail:
Nichols plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - 12 Month FTC in Newton-le-Willows
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Nichols or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Dive deep into Nichols' products and their market position. Show us you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about what we do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your previous experience in Category Management can drive distribution and enhance performance. We want to see your analytical skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making work taste better!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - 12 Month FTC in Newton-le-Willows
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Brand: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Nichols and its products shine through. We want to see how much you love what we do and how you can contribute to our mission of making life taste better!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous Category Management or analysis experience in a way that aligns with the role. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and commercial awareness, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps – we’re all about making things fizz with positivity!
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nichols plc
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the categories you'll be managing. Understand the current trends in FMCG, especially around drinks. This will not only show your passion but also your analytical skills when discussing how to drive distribution and enhance performance.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to drive insights in previous roles. Familiarise yourself with tools like Nielsen IQ and Dunnhumby, as they are crucial for this position. Bring along any relevant case studies or reports that highlight your analytical capabilities.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Nichols values a collaborative approach, so be ready to share experiences where teamwork led to successful outcomes. Highlight how you’ve worked with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals, especially in driving new product distribution or promotional analysis.
✨Bring Your Creative Mindset
This role requires a blend of creativity and analytical thinking. Think of innovative ideas you could bring to the table for category management. Prepare to discuss how you can unlock whitespace opportunities and drive NPD/EPD effectively, showcasing your unique perspective.