At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales growth and optimise product strategies in a dynamic FMCG environment.
- Company: Join Sofidel UK, a leader in the FMCG sector with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health insurance, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on category management while learning and growing your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in category management and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Sofidel S.p.A.
Increase your chances of reaching the interview stage by reading the complete job description and applying promptly.
Sofidel UK (Baglan) have an exciting opportunity for a strategically minded and analytical individual to join our Marketing and Sales team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual looking to apply their commercial and data expertise in a role that offers a challenge as well the chance to learn and grow within a dynamic FMCG environment.
About the role:
As a category manager, you will develop and implement category strategies that drive sales growth, strengthen retailer partnerships, and optimise product assortment, pricing, and promotions in line with company objectives and shopper needs.
What you will need:
3+ years of proven experience in category management, trade marketing, or commercial roles within FMCG.
Proven track record working directly with UK grocery retailers
Demonstrated success in delivering category plans that improved distribution, market share, and profitability
Proficiency with Nielsen, IRI, Kantar, Dunnhumby, and retailer EPOS systems
Evidence of commercial impact – influencing assortment, shelving, and promotional effectiveness
Qualifications:
Degree-level education in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; familiarity with category management software/tools.
Key Competencies:
Commercial acumen: Understands market dynamics, shopper behaviour, and retailer strategies.
Analytical mindset: Able to turn data into actionable insights and compelling stories.
Influencing skills: Capable of building strong relationships and influencing internal stakeholders and external retail partners.
Executional excellence: Strong project management skills, ensuring timely and effective delivery of category initiatives.
Collaboration: Works cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain.
Personal Attributes:
Proactive, results-driven, and resilient.
Strong communicator with excellent presentation skills.
Shopper- and customer-focused mindset.
Agile and adaptable to a fast-paced, competitive market.
Curious, innovative, and passionate about FMCG trends and consumer insights.
Desirable:
Experience in branded category.
Exposure to eCommerce or omnichannel retail environments
Main responsibilities:
Cures the local NPD process with the support of the Central Product Manager
Supports the Central Marketing departments giving local insight for all texts for social post, packaging, authorized communication and guaranteeing the translation into local language
Shares market information (market & channel trends, competitors’ products, customers, consumers, shoppers…) to facilitate decision making process
Collaborates with the Line Manager and Central Marketing to define and update marketing plan & business priorities
Monitors periodically the Below The Line budget, guaranteeing that orders and invoices match
Supports the Key Account Manager to elaborate the customer plans & the Joint Business Plans and studies and executes analysis for Shopper insights & Category development, for continuous improvement
Drives the partnership programs with Key Customers on Category Management projects in collaboration with the Key Account Manager
Examines the Retail Measurement Services (RMS), Consumer Panel Service (CPS) and client data and provides recommendations about promotional strategies, assortment and shelf share enlargement for every key client.
Sets up tailormade on & off-line consumer promotions agreed with any client within the category plan and the Joint Business Plan
Drafts Trade Stories for Key Account Manager’s to facilitate the listing of new products
Drives “go2market” programs by banner for every new product (leaflets, trial promotions, POS support, merchandising…)
Develops in-store & on-line material to improve the product visibility
Supports Field Sales Manager and Key Account Manager defining any specific action from Perfect Store KPI’s
Promotes a safety-bound corporate culture
Applies the Corporate Principles and Values
What we can offer you:
Competitive Salary
Full time role (Onsite)
Company Sick Pay
Life Assurance Scheme
Private Health Insurance
Pension contribution plus salary sacrifice option
Discount on Company products
23 days annual leave, rising to 25 with service (+ public holidays)
On Site parking (with electric vehicle charging available)
Sofidel Language Learning Programme through innovative digital platform for you and one additional user, such as family member or friend
Category Manager - Brand employer: Sofidel UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sofidel UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Brand
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Sofidel's values, products, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to category management and FMCG. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about the opportunity at Sofidel.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Brand
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualifications. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Experience: When writing your application, highlight your relevant experience in category management or similar roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven sales growth or improved market share. We want to see your commercial acumen in action!
Be Data-Driven: Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to mention your proficiency with tools like Nielsen or IRI. Share any insights you've derived from data that led to successful outcomes. We love seeing how you can turn numbers into actionable strategies!
Apply Through Our Website: Once you’ve polished your application, head over to our website to submit it. Applying directly through our site ensures that your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sofidel UK Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on your experience with Nielsen, IRI, and other data tools. Be ready to discuss specific examples where your insights led to improved sales or market share.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to talk about your understanding of market dynamics and shopper behaviour. Think of instances where you've influenced assortment or promotional strategies. This will show that you can think strategically and align with the company's objectives.
✨Build Relationships
Influencing skills are key in this role. Come prepared with examples of how you've built strong relationships with retailers or internal stakeholders. Highlight your collaboration with sales and marketing teams to drive category initiatives.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare for scenarios related to category management challenges, such as optimising product assortments or managing budgets. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.