Senior Category Manager

Senior Category Manager

Full-Time 42000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Science in Sport PLC

At a Glance

  • 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.

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
  • Develop evidence-based category strategies grounded in shopper insights, market trends, and performance data
  • Lead category reviews and strategic planning sessions with retail partners

Range & Space Management:

  • Define optimal product assortment, shelf layout and range architecture across retail partners
  • Work collaboratively with retail category range planners
  • Develop and present space planograms and merchandising recommendations

Business Partnership & Stakeholder Management:

  • Act as an impartial category business partner
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with retailer category managers, buyers, and trading teams
  • Present compelling, insight-driven business cases

Performance Analysis & Insights:

  • Provide regular category performance updates to retail partners
  • Deliver actionable shopper insights
  • Analyse market data, category trends, and competitor activity

Post-Activity Review & Continuous Improvement:

  • Present comprehensive post-activity reviews to retailer category teams
  • Measure and communicate ROI of category initiatives
  • Continuously refine category approach based on performance learnings

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Partner with internal teams including Sales, Marketing, NPD, and Supply Chain
  • Brief Marketing and NPD teams on category opportunities
  • Collaborate with Sales teams to align category plans with commercial objectives

Capability - the skills and behaviours required to do this job well:

  • Proven track record of success in a leadership sales role
  • Proven experience in a Category Management or Category Development role
  • Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated ability to drive sales growth
  • Excellent analytical skills with proficiency in interpreting market data
  • Ability to build trust and credibility with stakeholders
  • Strong presentation and communication skills
  • Proficient in space planning tools and planogram development
  • Understanding of the sports nutrition, health and wellness categories
  • Experience working with data sources such as Circana, IRI, Kantar
  • Experience of NPD launch planning and execution
  • Works effectively across functions to deliver shared goals
  • Takes initiative and ownership for category performance
  • Responds effectively to changing market conditions

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.

Senior Category Manager employer: Science in Sport PLC

Science In Sport Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Blackburn that champions innovation and excellence in sports nutrition. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides numerous benefits including an on-site gym, a cycle-to-work scheme, and a generous pension contribution, all while fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. As a leader in the industry, employees have the unique opportunity to work alongside elite athletes and contribute to groundbreaking product development, making it a truly rewarding place to advance your career.
Science in Sport PLC

Contact Detail:

Science in Sport PLC Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager

✨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 shows 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

Category Management
Strategic Planning
Market Analysis
Retail Partnership Development
Data Interpretation
Sales Growth Strategy
Presentation Skills
Stakeholder Management
Space Planning
Planogram Development
Insight Generation
FMCG Experience
NPD Launch Planning
Commercial Acumen
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sports nutrition shine through! We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role and our brands.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Category Manager position. Highlight relevant experience in category management and any specific achievements that align with what we’re looking for. We love seeing how your background fits with our goals!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit. Use it to connect your skills and experiences directly to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We appreciate a good story that showcases your journey!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Science In Sport family right from the start.

How to prepare for a job interview at Science in Sport PLC

✨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 to drive decisions in previous roles.

✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills

You'll be presenting insights and business cases to stakeholders, so practice telling compelling stories with your data. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully influenced decisions through effective communication.

✨Understand the Retail Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the current trends in sports nutrition and the competitive landscape. Research Science In Sport's position within the market and be prepared to discuss how you can leverage this knowledge to enhance category performance.

✨Build Relationships

This role requires strong collaboration with various teams and stakeholders. Think of ways you've built successful partnerships in the past and be ready to share these experiences. Highlight your ability to balance different needs while driving mutual growth.

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