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- Tasks: Maximise performance of sports nutrition products with key retail partners.
- Company: Join a leading brand in sports and performance nutrition.
- Benefits: Enjoy an on-site gym, product discounts, and a birthday day off.
- Why this job: Drive growth in a dynamic industry while collaborating with top retailers.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusivity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Science In Sport Group is a world leader in sports and performance nutrition. We have two highly regarded brands; SiS and PhD Nutrition, which provide optimal performance nutritional solutions for professional athletes, sports and fitness enthusiasts, and the active lifestyle community.
The Senior Category Manager is responsible for maximising the performance of the Science in Sport portfolio within key retail partners. This is achieved through strategic category management interventions that drive sustained growth by delivering a superior shopping experience which maximises category value for retailers with Science in Sport as a key driver of growth.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: up to £70,000
Working Hours: 09:00 - 17:30
Location: Blackburn
Benefits:
- On-site gym
- Cycle to work scheme
- Product discount
- Birthday day off
- Pension scheme, employer contribution at 4%
Your 4 most important responsibilities:
- Build and execute SiS vision across key UK Retail partners
- Define optimal range by pack, flavour, format and price tier
- Turn shopper and consumption insight into category stories and selling decks that shape range reviews
- Lead internally on market, shopper and competitive category insights
Accountability – what you are responsible for delivering:
- Set and implement a compelling category vision for sports nutrition that drives category growth and positions Science in Sport as the category authority and trusted partner
- Develop evidence-based category strategies grounded in shopper insights, market trends, and performance data
- Lead category reviews and strategic planning sessions with retail partners to identify opportunities for mutual growth
Range & Space Management:
- Define optimal product assortment, shelf layout and range architecture across retail partners to maximise category and brand performance
- Work collaboratively with retail category range planners to optimise share of shelf for Science in Sport products based on performance data and shopper insights
- Develop and present space planograms and merchandising recommendations that enhance on-shelf efficiency and shopper navigation
Business Partnership & Stakeholder Management:
- Act as an impartial category business partner, balancing the needs of the retailer, the category, and Science in Sport commercial objectives
- Build and maintain strong relationships with retailer category managers, buyers, and trading teams
- Present compelling, insight-driven business cases to secure retailer buy-in for range changes at key range review periods, innovations, and promotional activities
Performance Analysis & Insights:
- Provide regular category performance updates to retail partners, demonstrating category growth opportunities and Science in Sport contribution
- Deliver actionable shopper insights that inform category decisions
- Analyse market data, category trends, and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities and threats at retail
Post-Activity Review & Continuous Improvement:
- Present comprehensive post-activity reviews to retailer category teams, evaluating performance of range changes, NPD launches, and promotional activities
- Measure and communicate ROI of category initiatives
- Continuously refine category approach based on performance learnings and evolving shopper needs
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Partner with internal teams including Sales, Marketing, NPD, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution of category plans
- Collaborate with Sales teams to align category plans with commercial objectives and trading terms
Capability - the skills and behaviours required to do this job well:
- Proven track record of success in a leadership sales role, selling to major UK retailers with an FMCG manufacturer
- Proven experience in a Category Management or Category Development role within FMCG or retail environment
- Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated ability to drive sales growth and profitability through category management principles
- Excellent analytical skills with proficiency in interpreting market data, retail data (EPOS), and shopper insights
- Ability to build trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders
- Able to gain buy-in from stakeholders at all levels through compelling storytelling
- Strong presentation and communication skills, with ability to influence senior stakeholders
- Proficient in space planning tools and planogram development
- Understanding of the sports nutrition, health and wellness, or active lifestyle categories
- Experience working with data sources such as Circana, IRI, Kantar, or retailer loyalty card data
- Experience of NPD launch planning and execution within retail environment
- Works effectively across functions to deliver shared goals
- Takes initiative and ownership for category performance
- Responds effectively to changing market conditions and retailer requirements
A passion for sport, fitness and an active lifestyle would be beneficial but not essential.
Science in Sport Group is an equal opportunity employer; we value diversity and strive to cultivate an inclusive workplace. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.
Senior Category Manager in Blackburn employer: Science in Sport Group
Contact Detail:
Science in Sport Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager in Blackburn
✨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 market position and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them grow. Tailor your answers to show you're the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience and what you bring to the table. A confident, concise introduction can set the tone for the rest of the conversation and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the best choice for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management and any relevant achievements that align with our goals at Science In Sport. We want to see how you can drive growth and enhance shopper experiences!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about sports nutrition and how your skills can contribute to our mission. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past successes in similar roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous positions. We love numbers, so don’t shy away from showcasing your proficiency with market data and insights!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Science In Sport!
How to prepare for a job interview at Science in Sport Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to market share, sales growth, and category performance. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions and improve outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
This role requires you to influence stakeholders with compelling narratives. Prepare examples of how you've turned insights into actionable strategies. Practice presenting these stories clearly and confidently, as this will be crucial in gaining buy-in from retail partners.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the sports nutrition industry, including current trends and competitors. Be prepared to discuss how you would position Science in Sport against its rivals. Showing that you’re well-informed will demonstrate your commitment and strategic thinking.
✨Build Relationships
Relationship management is key in this role. Think about how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Prepare to discuss specific examples where you’ve built trust and credibility with stakeholders, as this will be vital for your success at Science in Sport.