Category Development Manager (FTC 12 months)

The Customer Development Manager will ensure our customer and market strategies are grounded in robust shopper, sales, and category insights to drive mutually beneficial category growth in Spirits, Champagne, and RTDs in line with our business ambitions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver insight‑led growth strategies: Turn category, shopper, and consumer data into clear insights that drive growth for PRUK and Off‑Trade customers.
• Build strong retailer relationships, delivering category stories, trend insights, and growth recommendations.
• Support key customer engagements (e.g. range reviews, brand days) with compelling analysis.
• Represent the UK Spirits and RTD/RTS category in brand team decisions and NPD sell‑in stories.
• Drive category thought leadership: Develop forward‑thinking category perspectives and champion a fact‑based, shopper‑led view of the market.
• Maximise the value of data & tools: Manage day‑to‑day relationships with data suppliers and ensure strong ROI on data investment; use key data sources (e.g., NielsenIQ, Quantium, Dunnhumby, Nectar360, Kantar) to build robust insights.
• Influence internally across PRUK: Present category insights in key internal meetings and planning forums; partner with brand teams to guide decisions and develop category‑led customer stories; work closely with Insights to integrate consumer understanding throughout the business.

Key Relationships

• Wider Category and Insights Team
• Commercial account teams for your customer(s)
• Key category contacts within your customer(s) (buyers, range analysts, category planners)
• Brand teams for your dedicated brand(s)
• Client lead contact at your data agency (e.g., Nielsen, Nectar360, Dunnhumby, Kantar)
• Regular participation in relevant off‑trade commercial meetings and key internal planning sessions

Qualifications & Capabilities

• We’re looking for someone who has experience in category development, customer insights, or commercial strategy, with exposure to off‑trade channels and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Has excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills to turn insights into action.
• Can collaborate and influence, engaging both internal teams and customers.
• Is results‑oriented with a focus on driving growth and business impact.
• Has project management skills to deliver multiple initiatives and customer engagements effectively.
• Is proficient in using AI for reporting and generating richer and more efficient data analysis (preferred).

Benefits

• Private medical insurance, critical illness cover and an optional healthcare cash plan, plus dental insurance.
• 28 days’ annual holiday, employee pension, share incentive plan, family care, season ticket loans, free mortgage advice, payroll giving and more.
• Gift & discount allowance each year for staff shop and discounts from high‑street retailers.
• Regular events in office bar, employee‑run networks, flexible culture, and wellness resources.

EEO and Diversity Statement

We will assess your application for this role based on your skills, experiences and achievements, not your gender, age, ethnic or educational background or any other such factors. Please feel free to leave these off your CV and application form if you so wish. Similarly, if you would like to discuss opportunities for flexible working or require accommodations or support to complete our application process, please let us know. All are welcome at Pernod Ricard, regardless of your religious beliefs or personal choices on the consumption of alcohol. We promote diversity and inclusion throughout our business and supply chain. In our teams, we proactively foster a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture – an environment where we can truly be ourselves.