Category Manager (FMCG)

Remote-based | London on-site approx. 1 day per month | £55,000 - £65,000 DOE

Our client is a highly established, fast-growing name in the FMCG and international distribution sector, working with some of the world's biggest consumer brands.

Due to continued expansion, they are looking for a commercially astute Category Manager to join their buying function, with a particular focus on Procter & Gamble product ranges.

This is a role built around commercial acumen and mindset rather than a specific sector background - full training and support will be given on the P&G product range.

This is not a traditional retail buying role.

You'll operate in a fast-moving, highly reactive environment where opportunities are rarely repeatable and stock availability changes constantly.

Success here comes from sharp analysis, sound commercial judgement and the ability to build genuine relationships with suppliers - rather than leverage-driven negotiation.

You'll act as a strategic partner to manufacturers and brand owners, helping them solve inventory challenges and unlock value from surplus, clearance and non-core stock.

It's a role for someone who is commercially creative, loves working with data, and thrives on uncovering opportunities that others might miss.

• What You'll Be Doing - Category Manager FMCG
• Identifying, evaluating and securing profitable FMCG stock opportunities, with a strong focus on Procter & Gamble products.
• Building strong, trusted relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and brand owners.
• Developing a deep understanding of supplier challenges - surplus, clearance, discontinued and non-core inventory.
• Analysing pricing structures, promotional activity, margin potential, market demand and commercial risk.
• Preparing commercial proposals and tenders to win supplier business.
• Presenting robust, data-backed commercial recommendations to stakeholders.
• Working closely with sales, finance and operations teams to execute opportunities successfully.
• Managing multiple live opportunities at once in a fast-paced, often unpredictable trading environment.

What We're Looking For - Category Manager FMCG

We welcome applicants from a variety of commercial backgrounds.

That said, this role is unlikely to suit individuals whose experience has been exclusively within traditional retail buying environments, where commercial leverage is driven primarily by purchasing scale and ranging decisions.

We're placing greater emphasis on capability, mindset and potential than on specific sector experience alone.

• Strong commercial acumen, analytical capability and sound judgement, ideally gained in FMCG, supplier management, commercial analysis or business development.
• Experience with Procter & Gamble products would be beneficial, but is not essential.
• Background in clearance, surplus stock, discount retail, off-price or secondary market channels would be highly desirable.
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with large data sets.
• Strong understanding of pricing, margin management, promotional mechanics and commercial profitability.
• Excellent influencing skills and experience presenting commercial recommendations to stakeholders.
• A genuine growth mindset and exceptional attention to detail.
• International supplier experience and additional languages are an advantage, but not essential.

You’ll Thrive In This Role If You...

• Love working with numbers and commercial data.
• Are naturally curious, with a knack for spotting opportunities others miss.
• Have exceptional attention to detail and a genuine interest in managing risk effectively.
• Are commercially ambitious and motivated by revenue and profit growth.
• Thrive in a volatile, constantly changing environment rather than a fixed routine.
• Are highly self-sufficient and comfortable working independently.
• Build credibility and trust quickly, adapting your style across cultures and personalities.
• Are resilient, proactive and solutions-focused.
• The Details - Category Manager FMCG
• Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 depending on experience.
• Working pattern: Predominantly remote, with attendance at the London office required on average once a month.
• Hours: Monday to Friday.
• Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays, rising by 1 day per year (up to a maximum of 30) after your second full year.
• Pension: Salary sacrifice scheme after 3 months, with 4.5% company contribution.
• Post-probation benefits: Healthcare cash plan, death in service benefit (4x salary), and a non-contractual commercial bonus scheme (currently up to 3% of annual salary, paid monthly in arrears, subject to company targets).
• Start date: Late September 2026.
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