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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing team to shape the Meals category strategy.
- Company: Join Pilgrim’s Europe, a values-led organisation focused on collaboration and accountability.
- Benefits: Gain valuable exposure through travel and work closely with major UK grocery retailers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by turning insights into growth strategies for the Meals category.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in FMCG with proven leadership and category strategy experience.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team at our Uxbridge head office.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Pilgrim’s Europe, our Category & Insight team provides a clear, forward-looking category vision that drives sustainable growth across the business. As Category Marketing Controller - Meals, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping and delivering this vision for one of our most important categories. Based at our Uxbridge head office, you will be the recognised expert for the Meals category, leading and developing a team of Category and Customer Marketing professionals. You’ll use deep consumer, shopper and category insight to create compelling strategies that unlock growth for both Pilgrim’s Europe and our customers. Working closely with Commercial, Innovation and Operational teams, you will identify future consumer-led opportunities, influence key decisions and help build a robust pipeline that supports long-term category success.
Role Details
- Location: Uxbridge Head Office (office-based)
- Department: Category Marketing
- Reports to: Category & Insight Director
- Direct reports: 4
- Travel: Regular travel to sites and customers
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing Category Marketing team
- Play a significant role in shaping and delivering the Group Marketing strategy, ensuring the Meals category is strongly represented
- Develop, communicate and execute Meals category strategies across all growth levers, including channel, shopper and customer-specific plans
- Build strong, trusted relationships with major retail customers, delivering thought leadership and acting as a proactive category partner
- Provide clear, commercially compelling insight and recommendations to customers and internal commercial teams
- Champion the consumer and shopper perspective across operational business units to support effective decision-making
- Partner with Innovation & Development to build a long-term, insight-led innovation pipeline
- Manage allocated budgets for consumer research to address category knowledge gaps and opportunities
- Travel periodically to sites and customers to stay closely connected to operations and market needs
What We’re Looking For
Experience & knowledge (essential):
- 5+ years’ experience in FMCG, with strong Meals or relevant category expertise
- Proven leadership experience (3+ years), including line management
- Demonstrable success in building and executing category strategies
- Experience working closely with major UK grocery multiple retailers
- Background in own-label category management
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at all levels
- Confident communicator with strong written, verbal and storytelling capability
- Ability to distil insight into clear, actionable and commercially focused solutions
- Experience working closely with innovation, commercial and operational teams
Ideal behaviours
- Strong alignment with the Values of Pilgrim’s Europe
- Strategic, collaborative and consumer-focused mindset
- Proactive, credible and confident in building relationships internally and externally
Why Join Us?
- Shape the future of the Meals category in a senior, influential leadership role
- Be based at our Uxbridge head office, working closely with senior stakeholders
- Lead and develop a talented team with genuine ownership and visibility
- Act as a true category partner to major UK grocery retailers
- Turn insight into strategies that deliver real commercial impact
- Influence the long-term innovation pipeline, not just short-term plans
- Gain valuable exposure through travel to sites and customers
- Join a values-led organisation where ambition, collaboration and accountability matter
Ready to make an impact? If you’re a strategic category leader with a passion for the Meals category and a track record of turning insight into growth, this is your opportunity to make a real difference. Based at our Uxbridge head office, you’ll be at the heart of shaping category strategy, customer partnerships and long-term success. Apply now and help define the future of Meals at Pilgrim’s Europe.
Category Controller, Category Controller in Uxbridge employer: Pilgrim's Europe
Contact Detail:
Pilgrim's Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Controller, Category Controller in Uxbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Pilgrim’s Europe. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them; you never know who might put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to the Meals category and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams or developed successful strategies in the past. This will show that you can turn insight into action, just like they need.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Pilgrim’s Europe.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Controller, Category Controller in Uxbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Controller role. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about the Meals category and how you can contribute to our vision. Use specific examples from your past experiences to showcase your skills and achievements.
Showcase Your Insights: Since this role involves turning insights into strategies, be sure to include examples of how you've used consumer and shopper insights in your previous roles. We love seeing how you've made an impact through data-driven decisions!
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 Pilgrim’s Europe!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrim's Europe
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Meals category. Understand current trends, consumer behaviours, and key competitors. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference, especially in developing strategies or executing plans. This will resonate well with their focus on building a high-performing team.
✨Build Relationships in Your Answers
Since relationship-building is crucial for this role, think of ways to incorporate this into your responses. Share experiences where you’ve built strong partnerships with stakeholders or customers, showcasing your ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Insights and Strategies
Expect questions about how you turn insights into actionable strategies. Prepare to discuss specific examples where your insights led to successful outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability to drive growth and align with their vision for the Meals category.
