At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and execute strategic direction for product categories to drive growth and market leadership.
- Company: Join a fast-growing global biscuits and confectionery business with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, opportunities for learning, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and accountability.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that brings happiness to consumers through innovative strategies.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field; experience in category management preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you. As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits. To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose‑led, resilient and positive. We expect pace and agility, insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact.
What will this role achieve? The Category Strategy Manager is responsible for shaping and executing the strategic direction of product categories to drive sustainable growth, profitability, and market leadership. This role combines strategic thinking, commercial acumen, insights & analysis, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver category excellence across multiple channels. Working as part of the Commercial Excellence team and reporting to the Head of Category Strategy, the role bridges Sales & Marketing to develop and lead multi‑year category strategies.
What will be your key deliverables?
- Develop Category Vision & Strategies – Work with the Head of Category Strategy to create our category vision in priority categories such as Savoury, Sweet and Confectionery; help to define the strategic role of each category within the portfolio, including innovation, pricing, and promotional architecture; support the creation & execution of multi‑year category strategies aligned with business objectives and customer needs.
- Develop Category Growth Drivers – Provide a clear narrative for Cat Dev to take externally to customers.
- Setting Consistent Standards & Narratives – Set Point of Purchase Standards by channel & category via the creation of category playbooks; influence macro space positively for pladis categories directly with key customers, and with CatDev to execute across channels and retailers; develop POV narrative for major macro retail challenges (e.g. LHF / GLP‑1); provide customer‑centric shopper narratives aligned to pladis plans for CatDev to tailor by customer.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration – Partner with the marketing team to ensure category & pladis opportunities are realised by influencing both the NPD pipeline & shopper/consumer marketing activities & choices; partner with Commercial Operations to optimise pricing, pack architecture, and trade investment; work closely with Marketing, Sales, Insights, Finance, Cat Dev and Supply Chain to ensure integrated commercial plans are developed and delivered; work with Brand & Commercial Excellence to advise on pladis NPD, including distribution & ROS assumptions in consultation with CatDev on specific customers.
- Insights & Analysis – Leverage consumer, shopper, and market insights to inform category strategy and drive data‑led decision‑making; ensure a unified approach to business insights, reducing silos and promoting one version of the truth.
- Team Contribution – Actively support capability building within the category strategy function; contribute to a high‑performance culture through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.
- Understanding and experience of the UK FMCG market.
- Proven understanding of category management principles and execution, including a broad numerical & analytical background.
- Ideally minimum of 2 years category management (or commercial / commercial operations) experience.
- Strategic mindset – capable of transforming brands from products into compelling consumer experiences and scalable growth platforms.
- Proven ability to analyse complex data sets and turn them into clear and useful insights that translate into actionable strategies.
- Storytelling – strong communication, presentation & influencing skills with a proven record of delivery.
- Good relationship‑building skills with partners.
- Proficient knowledge of data sets spanning but not limited to JDA, Nielsen, Kantar, Dunnhumby.
- Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Knowledge of consumer behaviour, shopper & retail dynamics, and market trends.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office products.
pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every great recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.
Category Strategy Manager employer: pladis Foods Limited
At pladis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where entrepreneurial spirits thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our investment in training and development, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working with iconic global brands in the biscuits and confectionery sector. Join us in our mission to bring happiness to consumers, and enjoy the benefits of collaboration, accountability, and a clear roadmap for success in a fast-growing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Strategy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 the company and its products. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you showcase your passion for bringing happiness to consumers, just like pladis does!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or collaborated across teams. This will show that you embody the collaborative spirit pladis is looking for.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining the pladis family and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Strategy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and our mission shine through. We want to see how your passion for bringing happiness aligns with our values and goals.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in category management and strategic thinking. We love seeing how your skills can contribute to our growth and success!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with pladis.
How to prepare for a job interview at pladis Foods Limited
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific product categories you'll be managing. Understand the current trends in savoury, sweet, and confectionery markets. This knowledge will help you articulate how you can contribute to shaping the category vision and strategies.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and how you've used insights to drive category strategies. Bring examples of complex data sets you've worked with and how they informed your decision-making process. This will demonstrate your capability to turn numbers into actionable strategies.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role requires cross-functional collaboration, think of examples where you've successfully partnered with different teams. Highlight your relationship-building skills and how you've influenced others to achieve common goals. This will show that you embody the collaborative spirit pladis values.
✨Craft Your Story
Prepare a compelling narrative about your career journey, focusing on your strategic mindset and how you've transformed brands into consumer experiences. Use storytelling techniques to engage your interviewers and make your experiences memorable, showcasing your strong communication skills.
