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- Tasks: Shape category direction and drive brand growth in a dynamic FMCG environment.
- Company: Established consumer goods business with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, enhanced pension, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing product categories and driving market performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management or related roles, strong analytical skills, and a degree.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, consumer-focused organisation.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 63000 £ per year.
We are working with a well-established consumer goods business to appoint a Category Manager to join its commercial function. This role will play a key part in shaping category direction, strengthening market performance, and supporting long-term brand growth across a competitive FMCG landscape.
Based out of modern Manchester offices with hybrid working in place, the Category Manager will take ownership of defined product categories, ensuring they are positioned to meet both shopper needs and commercial objectives. You will be responsible for turning insight into action - using data, market understanding and cross-functional collaboration to deliver measurable results.
Working closely with colleagues across sales, marketing, supply chain and finance, as well as with retail customers and external partners, you will influence how categories are ranged, priced, promoted and activated in-store and online. The role requires a balance of strategic thinking and operational delivery, with a strong focus on performance, profitability and executional excellence.
Key Accountabilities- Shape and deliver category plans that support growth in sales, share and margin
- Evaluate market dynamics, competitor activity and consumer trends to inform decision-making
- Own category portfolios, including range architecture, product lifecycle decisions and innovation launches
- Set pricing frameworks and promotional approaches aligned to commercial goals
- Partner with marketing teams to ensure compelling activation across physical and digital channels
- Work alongside supply chain and operations to support availability and efficient stock management
- Develop effective working relationships with retail customers and key suppliers
- Monitor category performance, using data and insight to identify risks and opportunities
- Share recommendations and performance updates with senior stakeholders
- Experience in category management, brand management or a related commercial role within FMCG
- Strong numerical and analytical capability, with confidence working with sales data and market insight
- Solid understanding of retail environments and shopper behaviour
- Proven ability to build and execute category or commercial plans
- Advanced user of Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to present clearly and persuasively
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams
- Effective communicator, comfortable influencing across functions and levels
- Degree educated in a relevant discipline (e.g. business, marketing or similar)
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially driven category professional to take real ownership and make a visible impact within a fast-paced, consumer-focused organisation.
Category Manager in Manchester employer: Robert Walters
Contact Detail:
Robert Walters Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the FMCG industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show them you know their market and can bring valuable insights to the table. We want to see your passion for the brand!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Category Manager. Highlight your analytical skills and how you've turned data into action in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to shape category direction and drive growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about category management and how your skills align with our needs. Be specific about how you can contribute to our commercial function.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong numerical and analytical capabilities, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've used data to inform decisions in past roles. We love seeing how you turn insight into action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Walters
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific product categories you'll be managing. Understand current trends, competitor strategies, and consumer behaviours. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Brush up on your numerical and analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions. Bring examples of how you've turned insights into actionable plans, as this is crucial for a Category Manager.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across functions like sales, marketing, and supply chain. Highlight your ability to influence and build relationships, as this will be key in your new position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as launching a new product or responding to market changes. Prepare structured responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your thought process and outcomes.
