At a Glance
- Tasks: Support growth of innovative categories and influence retail strategies.
- Company: Join Pilgrim's Europe, a dynamic team in Uxbridge.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Become a confident category professional with visible impact on performance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail by understanding shopper behaviour and trends.
- Qualifications: 1+ year experience in FMCG or retail, strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Department: Category
Location: Uxbridge (Office-based)
Reporting to: Category Controller
About the Role
We're looking for a curious, driven and commercially aware Category Executive to join our expanding Category team at Pilgrim's Europe. This is a customer-facing role focused on supporting the growth of innovative, trend-driven categories. You'll work closely with major retailers to help shape forward-thinking category strategies, influence decisions and unlock new opportunities for long-term, sustainable growth. You'll support the Category Management team in building compelling, insight-led recommendations that drive performance for both our customers and our business, with a particular focus on identifying emerging trends and high-growth areas. You'll play a key role in understanding consumer and shopper behaviour, using data and insight to influence range, merchandising, pricing and promotions — truly becoming the voice of the shopper within our business while helping to shape the future of evolving categories. This role is office-based in Uxbridge, supporting strong collaboration, development and team working.
What You'll Be Doing
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with customer stakeholders including buyers and merchandisers
- Use multiple data sources to analyse shopper behaviour, identify trends and uncover opportunities
- Translate data into clear, compelling insight-led recommendations
- Support and deliver category range reviews, focusing on optimal assortment and merchandising
- Produce regular category and customer reporting, highlighting risks and opportunities
- Influence customer decision-making through engaging presentations and storytelling
- Work closely with Category Managers, Account Managers and Brand teams to align category strategy
- Build a strong internal and external network to support business growth
What Success Looks Like
- Strong, trusted relationships with key customer contacts
- Insight-led recommendations that deliver category growth
- Effective, high-quality reporting and analysis
- Visible impact on range, space and category performance
- Development into a confident category professional
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone with minimum 1 year of experience in an FMCG, retail or commercial environment, who is ready to take the next step in their category career. Strong communication and relationship-building skills. Naturally curious, with a passion for understanding the “why” behind data. Analytical mindset with good working knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint. Confident presenter, able to tell a story and influence others. Well-organised and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. A genuine interest in retail, shoppers and category management. Commitment to learning and developing a career in Category Values.
Category Executive employer: Pilgrims Europe
At Pilgrim's Europe, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Uxbridge that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our strong commitment to employee development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow your career as a Category Executive, while our supportive culture encourages creativity and insight-driven decision-making. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and empowers you to shape the future of our categories.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or industry contacts, be ready to share your story. Highlight your experience and how it aligns with the role of a Category Executive. Make it engaging and memorable!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Bring examples of insights you've uncovered and how they led to successful outcomes. This will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Tailor your application to reflect your passion for category management and how you can contribute to our team’s success.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Curiosity:In your application, let us see your curiosity shine through! Share examples of how you've explored data or trends in the past. We love candidates who are eager to understand the 'why' behind the numbers.
Tailor Your Insights:Make sure to tailor your insights to the role. Highlight any experience you have with shopper behaviour analysis and how it led to actionable recommendations. This will show us you're ready to support our category strategies!
Engaging Presentation Skills:Since this role involves influencing decisions, showcase your presentation skills in your application. Whether it's through a well-structured cover letter or a creative CV, we want to see how you can tell a compelling story.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe
✨Know Your Data
Make sure you brush up on your data analysis skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to identify trends and make recommendations in previous roles. This will show that you understand the importance of data in driving category growth.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with customer stakeholders, think about examples from your past where you've successfully built relationships. Be ready to share how you’ve influenced decisions and collaborated with others to achieve common goals.
✨Master Your Presentation Skills
As a confident presenter, you’ll need to tell a compelling story with your insights. Practice presenting your ideas clearly and engagingly. Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses during the interview.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your passion for understanding consumer behaviour and the retail landscape. Prepare questions that reflect your curiosity about the company’s category strategies and how they align with emerging trends. This will highlight your genuine interest in the role.
