At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category growth through insights, analysis, and strategic recommendations.
- Company: Join a dynamic international consumer goods business on an exciting journey.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to influence key retail partners across Europe.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping category strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in Category Management or Shopper Insights with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Category Manager to join a growing international consumer goods business on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This role will be responsible for driving category growth across key European retail and distributor partners through shopper insights, category analysis, promotional evaluation, and customer-focused recommendations. Working closely with Sales, Marketing, and external partners, you'll help shape category strategies, influence customer plans, and deliver actionable insights that drive commercial performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Generate category and shopper insights from multiple data sources to identify growth opportunities.
- Partner with commercial teams to develop customer strategies, trade plans, and category recommendations.
- Analyse retail, market, and distributor performance data to support decision-making.
- Lead promotional planning reviews and post-activity evaluation to measure ROI and effectiveness.
- Build compelling customer presentations to support range reviews, product launches, merchandising recommendations, and category growth initiatives.
- Develop and communicate category management plans to distributors and retail partners across multiple markets.
- Collaborate with shopper marketing teams to ensure best-in-class execution of customer activity plans.
- Manage and maintain category and market data platforms, ensuring accurate reporting and analysis.
- Represent the category function in customer, sales, and cross-functional meetings.
- Champion category management principles and help embed best practice across the organisation.
About You
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and confident creating impactful presentations in PowerPoint.
- Proven experience within Category Management, Shopper Marketing, Category Development, or Insights roles.
- Strong understanding of retail environments and customer-facing category strategies.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercially minded, proactive, and confident influencing both internal and external stakeholders.
- A collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Experience Required
- Degree educated or equivalent experience.
- Significant experience within Category Management or Shopper Insights.
- Experience working across international markets and distributor-led routes to market.
- Previous people management experience.
- Strong working knowledge of syndicated data sources such as Nielsen, Circana/IRI, Kantar, GfK, IQVIA, or equivalent market data platforms.
Category Manager - 6mnth FTC employer: Vertical Advantage
Join a dynamic and innovative international consumer goods business that values collaboration and growth. As a Category Manager, you'll benefit from a supportive hybrid work culture that encourages professional development and offers opportunities to influence key strategies across European markets. With a focus on data-driven insights and a commitment to excellence, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - 6mnth FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their category strategies and think about how your skills can contribute to their growth. We want you to walk into that interview room with confidence and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to drive category growth or improve performance. We love seeing candidates who can turn insights into actionable recommendations, so make sure you highlight those experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who can bring fresh ideas to our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - 6mnth FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management and shopper insights, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and any relevant data platforms you’ve worked with.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description and show us your passion for driving category growth.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical skills, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. We want to see how you can turn complex data into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Know Your Data
Make sure you brush up on your analytical skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive category growth in previous roles. Think about specific examples where you generated insights from complex data and how those insights led to actionable recommendations.
✨Showcase Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll need to create compelling presentations, practice explaining your past projects clearly and confidently. Use PowerPoint to illustrate your points if possible, and be ready to discuss how you tailored your presentations for different stakeholders, especially in a retail environment.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the consumer goods sector, particularly in European markets. Be ready to discuss how you would approach category management strategies based on recent market data and shopper insights. This shows you're proactive and commercially minded.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with sales, marketing, or external partners to achieve category goals. Strong communication skills are key, so think about how you can demonstrate your ability to influence and manage stakeholders effectively.
