Category Manager in Newton-le-Willows

Category Manager in Newton-le-Willows

Newton-le-Willows Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive distribution and enhance commercial performance across various channels.
  • Company: Join Nichols, the home of Vimto, making life taste better since 1908.
  • Benefits: 25 days holiday, private medical cover, birthday off, and staff discounts.
  • Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for community volunteering.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in a dynamic team, driving insights and brand growth.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Category Management with strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

We are Nichols – the home of Vimto, and have been making life taste better since 1908. Our portfolio spans still, carbonated, post‑mix and frozen drinks, and we work closely with the UK’s leading food manufacturers to offer a truly unique range of products. We combine an agile approach to work with flexibility, with office days three days a week and core hours designed to help you balance work and life.

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. The role combines creative thinking with deep analytical capability to deliver insight‑led actions that support customer growth and strengthen brand performance.

Key Responsibilities

  • 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‑drive 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.

Qualifications

  • Previous Category Management/Analysis experience within an FMCG environment.
  • Strong analytical capability to interpret data and extract insights.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and experienced with Nielsen IQ, Kantar, Numerator, Circana, TWC, Dunnhumby, Nectar360.
  • A collaborative approach with a creative mindset.

Benefits

  • 25 days holiday (with the opportunity to buy extra each year).
  • Option to join our private medical cover scheme.
  • Enhanced Primary Carer leave and sick pay.
  • Your birthday off work.
  • Free on‑site parking.
  • One 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.

Any job offer is subject to an individual’s Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas.

Category Manager in Newton-le-Willows employer: Nichols

At Nichols, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With flexible working arrangements, generous benefits including 25 days of holiday and private medical cover, and a commitment to employee growth through insightful analysis and strategic initiatives, we empower our team to thrive in their roles. Located in the heart of the UK, our dynamic environment encourages innovation while ensuring a healthy work-life balance, making Nichols a truly rewarding place to build your career.
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Contact Detail:

Nichols Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Newton-le-Willows

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Nichols and our products. Understand our market position and be ready to discuss how your skills can drive distribution and enhance performance. Show us you’re passionate about what we do!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your analytical skills! Be ready to demonstrate how you interpret data and extract insights. We love candidates who can think creatively and back it up with solid analysis.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Nichols team. Don’t miss out!

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Newton-le-Willows

Category Management
Analytical Capability
Data Interpretation
Insight Generation
Distribution Strategy
KPI Delivery
Promotional Analysis
Shopper Understanding
Microsoft Office Proficiency
Nielsen IQ
Kantar
Dunnhumby
Creative Thinking
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your previous experience in Category Management and any analytical skills that match what we’re looking for. Use keywords from the job description to show you’re a perfect fit!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for the FMCG industry and how your creative thinking can drive insights and performance. Don’t forget to mention why you want to work with us at Nichols!

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, be sure to include specific examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in your past roles. Mention any tools like Nielsen IQ or Dunnhumby that you’re familiar with.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, you’ll get to see all the other amazing opportunities we have!

How to prepare for a job interview at Nichols

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics and data analysis techniques relevant to FMCG. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.

✨Showcase Your Creativity

This role requires a blend of creativity and analysis. Prepare examples of how you've approached category management with innovative strategies. Think about campaigns or initiatives where your creative thinking led to successful outcomes.

✨Understand the Market Landscape

Familiarise yourself with Nichols' product range and their competitors. Be prepared to discuss current trends in the grocery and discounter sectors. Showing that you understand the market will impress your interviewers.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's strategy, culture, and future plans. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Category Manager in Newton-le-Willows
Nichols
Location: Newton-le-Willows

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