At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category growth through insights and analysis in a dynamic consumer goods environment.
- Company: Join a growing international consumer goods business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make an impact by shaping category strategies and influencing customer plans.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in Category Management or Shopper Insights.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Hybrid
Contract: 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract
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 in London 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 in London
✨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 land you that dream job.
✨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 in feeling confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Category Manager. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail that delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe showing appreciation can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - 6mnth FTC in London
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. We want to see how you can drive category growth!
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 examples of how you've influenced customer plans or delivered actionable insights in the past. Let us know what makes you tick!
Show Off Your Data Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to highlight your advanced Excel skills and any experience with market data platforms. We love seeing how you can turn complex data into clear recommendations that drive performance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Know Your Data
As a Category Manager, you'll be expected to handle complex data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive category growth in the past. Prepare examples of insights you've generated and how they influenced decisions.
✨Master Your Presentations
You'll need to create compelling presentations for range reviews and product launches. Practice your PowerPoint skills and think about how you can visually represent data to make it impactful. Bring a sample presentation to showcase your style and effectiveness.
✨Understand the Retail Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the retail environments relevant to the company. Research their key partners and competitors. Be prepared to discuss how your understanding of these markets can help shape category strategies and influence customer plans.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with sales, marketing, or external partners. Highlight your communication skills and how you've managed stakeholder relationships to achieve common goals.
