At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and execute strategic category management across EMEA for a Fortune 500 company.
- Company: Join PPG, a global leader in innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a newly created role with exciting challenges.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in FMCG category management and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on continuous learning and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join an $18 billion dollar, Fortune 500 organisation in an exciting and newly created, growth position. We are at the start of our Category Management journey in our Architectural Coatings business in EMEA and we are looking for an experienced Senior Category Manager to lead and execute our Category Management strategic agenda across EMEA. You will also be the operational category manager for our international key accounts. This role combines strategic and development leadership with hands-on operational excellence, driving category growth, retailer partnerships, and shopper engagement for PPG brands with our key retail partners.
You will report to the Head of Category Management, AC EMEA who is holding a dual role also as Marketing Director, North Europe & China. You will have a flexible location but will operate a hybrid working style out of any of our PPG EMEA offices.
Key Responsibilities- Lead Category Management Strategic Agenda Across EMEA
- Execute Category Vision and keep senior leadership updated on progress.
- Lead the development and implementation of the Retail "Perfect Store" concept.
- Drive Category Management capability building, upskilling and training programs across EMEA.
- Finalize and roll-out Category Management blueprints and playbooks (e.g: Core Range, Merchandising Blueprints, Category Definition).
- Implement tools and insights, including planogram solutions.
- Manage yearly Category Management budget.
- Run best-practice forums across EMEA to share knowledge and successes.
- Collaborate with Sales, Commercial Excellence, Product, Brand, and Marketing teams to create compelling category sell-in stories and seasonal activities for prioritized EMEA launches.
- Act as a reference point for category insights to support brand and commercial planning and identify needed research and insights to develop our category understanding across EMEA (e.g. shopping decision tree, category metrics tracking).
- Support local teams with presentations, business cases, and shopper understanding.
- Present to key EMEA customers and support Sales in building PPG credibility and strong retailer relationships.
- Drive category opportunities, listings, and distribution gains, including range reviews as needed.
- Track, analyse, and report customer EPOS and sales-out data, combined with market trends and share insights via relevant dashboards.
- Champion and lead 'shelf excellence' including range, fixture layout and POS creation to aid shopper navigation and increase reach delivering identified Category Projects.
- Plan, coordinate and act as a best-practice reference in driving insight-based Retail Media Activations when relevant to boost penetration, brand awareness & conversion.
- Degree in marketing, international business, or a related field, or equivalent proven professional experience.
- 7+ years of working experience in FMCG category management and shopper/customer marketing or customer-facing sales or marketing roles.
- Knowledge of category management and trade marketing principles, strategies, and best practices.
- Experience with industry data sources (e.g. Nielsen, Kantar, Dunnhumby) and category tools (e.g. DC Activ or other planogram tools, PowerBi Dashboards).
- Experience of implementing Retail Media activations and using data to evaluate effectiveness of category/shopper campaigns.
Here at PPG we make it happen, and we seek candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our values, with the commitment and drive to strive today to do better than yesterday – everyday.
PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Senior Category Marketing Manager employer: PPG Industries
Contact Detail:
PPG Industries Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Marketing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Category Marketing Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their category management strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your achievements and how they relate to the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive category growth and build retailer partnerships.
✨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 serious about joining our team and contributing to our exciting journey in category management.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Marketing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Category Marketing Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in category management and shopper marketing, and don’t forget to showcase any successful projects you've led that align with our strategic agenda.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven category growth and built retailer partnerships in the past.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since data is key in this role, make sure to highlight your experience with industry data sources and category tools. Mention any specific tools you’ve used, like Nielsen or PowerBi, and how they’ve helped you achieve results.
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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at PPG Industries
✨Know Your Category Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your category management knowledge, especially in the context of FMCG. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past and how they drove growth. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Data Savvy
Since the role involves using industry data sources like Nielsen and Kantar, be prepared to talk about how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've analysed EPOS data or market trends to drive category opportunities.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
This position requires leading and coaching teams across EMEA. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or project, particularly in a cross-functional setting. Highlight your ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as implementing a new retail media activation or managing a budget. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.