Category Manager

Category Manager

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive category growth through insight-led plans and data analysis.
  • Company: Join The Advocate Group, a leading recruitment partner in the FMCG sector.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a purpose-led role with real influence and visibility.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team transforming local product access in grocery retail.
  • Qualifications: Experience in category or insights roles within the UK food & drink industry required.
  • Other info: We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Category Manager Join a global, family-owned FMCG business with some of the UK’s most loved brands. The Advocate Group are currently supporting the search for an experienced Category Manager to drive category growth across the Out of Home, Traditional Trade and Ireland channels. In this strategic role, you’ll act as a trusted advisor to customers and internal teams — shaping category plans, leading range reviews, and delivering actionable insights that boost visibility, distribution and sales. What You’ll Do Deliver clear, insight-led recommendations to grow category and brand performance. Lead range reviews and identify new distribution and innovation opportunities. Use data sources (Nielsen, Circana, Kantar) to track performance and highlight opportunities. Build strong customer partnerships and align cross-functional teams around shared goals. What You’ll Bring Proven category management experience in FMCG (ideally food or drink). Strong analytical skills and confidence with data and Excel/PowerPoint. Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills. A proactive, commercial mindset with a passion for consumers and products. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a values-led business with a collaborative culture, iconic brands and genuine opportunities for growth and development. For more details or to discuss how we can support your career, please get in touch with John, or click “Apply Now” to be considered. The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner, based in the UK, to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy. No job description added

Category Manager employer: The Advocate Group

The Advocate Group offers an exciting opportunity for a Category Manager to join a dynamic and rapidly growing grocery retail team in the UK. With a strong focus on innovation and local products, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that values insights and storytelling, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and influence within the industry.
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Contact Detail:

The Advocate Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the UK food and drink industry. Understanding current consumer preferences and market dynamics will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking during interviews.

Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the grocery retail sector, especially those who have experience in category management. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used data from sources like Kantar or Nielsen to drive category growth. Being able to articulate your analytical skills will set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 4

Showcase your storytelling abilities by preparing a brief presentation on a past project where you influenced stakeholders with insights. This will highlight your communication skills and ability to simplify complex data.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager

Strategic Thinking
Category Development
Shopper-Led Insight
Data Analysis
Trend Identification
Storytelling Skills
Stakeholder Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Commercial Acumen
Proficiency in EPOS Systems
Experience with Kantar, Nielsen, or IRI Data
Promotional Strategy Development
Range and Merchandising Strategy
Consumer Trend Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Category Manager position. Highlight your relevant experience in category development and shopper insights.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise your analytical skills, experience with data sources like Kantar and Nielsen, and any previous roles in the UK food & drink industry.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for consumer trends and your strategic thinking abilities. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you can contribute to the Advocate Group's goals.

Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills: In your application, be sure to mention your experience in stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration. This is crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've successfully worked with different teams in the past.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Advocate Group

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical abilities. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data from sources like Kantar or Nielsen in previous roles to identify trends and drive category growth.

Prepare Insightful Stories

Storytelling is key in this role. Think of examples where you've delivered engaging insights that influenced stakeholders. Practice articulating these stories clearly and concisely to make a lasting impression.

Understand the Market Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the UK food and drink industry. Being able to discuss recent developments and how they impact category management will show your passion and proactive mindset.

Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration

This role requires working closely with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with marketing, insights, or supply chain teams in the past to achieve common goals.

Category Manager
The Advocate Group
Location: London
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