At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category growth and commercial success through data analysis and collaboration.
- Company: Join Premier Foods, one of the UK's largest food businesses with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, holiday purchase scheme, and private medical.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values authenticity and offers excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on category growth while working with beloved brands.
- Qualifications: Proactive, analytical mindset with strong Excel skills and commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Based - St Albans, AL1 2RE (Hybrid) Permanent, Full Time
Join Premier Foods - where people, brands and purpose come together. We're proud to be one of the UK's largest listed food businesses, with over 4,000 colleagues across 13 sites shaping the future of some of Britain's best-loved brands, found in 94% of households nationwide, making us one of the UK's top three ambient food suppliers.
Role purpose
As a Category Executive, you'll be at the heart of driving category growth and commercial success for Premier Foods across a portfolio of key customers. Working closely with customer-facing teams and internal stakeholders, you'll turn shopper, market and category insights into compelling growth opportunities. You'll use data, trends and commercial thinking to influence decision-making, shape winning category strategies, and help deliver standout performance for both Premier Foods and our customers.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys combining analysis with action-partnering with teams across the business, uncovering opportunities, and making a real impact on category growth and customer success. This is a commercially focused Category Growth role, centred on insight, influence and customer partnership-rather than procurement activities.
What you'll be doing
- Supporting range reviews, helping protect core business and drive NPD opportunities
- Building strong relationships with buyers and merchandisers to support category decision-making
- Bringing the voice of the retailer into internal strategy discussions
- Delivering insight-led recommendations to support sales and account teams
- Analysing category and customer performance using data sources such as Kantar and IRI
- Tracking distribution, shelf space and availability to identify growth opportunities
- Creating clear, concise reports and presentations using retailer tools (e.g. IRI HIVE)
- Supporting key seasonal events (e.g. Christmas, Easter) through analysis and evaluation
- Balancing priorities across immediate customer needs and longer-term strategy
What we need from you
We're looking for someone who is proactive, analytical and commercially curious:
- A proactive, enthusiastic mindset with a passion for driving growth
- Strong analytical skills and confidence working with data (Excel essential)
- Ability to turn insight into clear, compelling storytelling
- Good commercial awareness and understanding of business impact
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders
- A collaborative team player who builds strong relationships across teams
What we offer in return
- Competitive salary
- Bonus
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Sharesave Scheme
- EV Car Scheme
- Private Medical
- Up to 7.5% pension
- Life assurance
- Wide range of online and in-house training
- Access to an employee discount scheme, with access to hundreds of nationwide retailers
At Premier Foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome. We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.
Category Executive in Wheathampstead employer: Premier Foods
At Premier Foods, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Category Executive based in St Albans, you'll enjoy competitive benefits including a bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and extensive training opportunities, all while contributing to the growth of some of the UK's most beloved food brands. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment where your insights and ideas are valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Executive in Wheathampstead
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Premier Foods.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Premier Foods!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Premier Foods, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Premier Foods, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Executive in Wheathampstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Premier Foods, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Premier Foods.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Premier Foods. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Premier Foods. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Premier Foods’s mission.
