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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic category initiatives and manage key UK customer relationships.
- Company: Join a top global FMCG powerhouse known for innovative food brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a forward-thinking team that values strategic insight and leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management within FMCG, strong analytical and communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence category strategies and drive commercial success.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Company Description
Our client is a top global FMCG powerhouse, renowned for delivering market-leading food brands across the globe. With a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, they are at the forefront of shaping category thinking and driving commercial success. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation that values strategic insight, collaboration, and leadership in the FMCG sector.
Job Role
We are seeking an experienced Category Manager/Senior Category Manager to lead strategic category initiatives while managing the one of the company’s most important UK customers. Reporting to the Head of Category, you will be responsible for translating market data into actionable insights, creating compelling category and range recommendations, and aligning these with retailer strategies. Your focus will be on delivering strategic and financial objectives, driving category and commercial growth, and strengthening internal and external relationships.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category strategies to meet UK business and budget objectives
- Lead category partnerships with key retailers, unlocking growth opportunities through insight-driven recommendations
- Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights to inform category and commercial decision-making
- Act as the voice of the category internally and externally, delivering compelling shopper and consumer rationale
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Innovation, and Commercial teams to embed shopper-centric thinking
- Support customer planning and business development with robust category arguments and insight-led recommendations
- Contribute to business planning by aligning category growth initiatives with strategic brand and customer goals
- Maintain strong relationships with retail partners, agencies, and suppliers to ensure aligned and effective strategies
Requirements
- Proven track record in a category management role within FMCG, ideally food or grocery
- Strong analytical skills with expertise in interpreting and leveraging market and shopper data
- Deep understanding of UK retail landscape and key customer strategies
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present data-driven insights clearly and persuasively
- Experience in working cross-functionally to deliver commercial outcomes
- Strategic thinker with the ability to see the big picture and identify long-term opportunities for growth
- Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple priorities, and deliver to deadlines
Senior Category Development Manager - Food employer: Vertical Advantage
Contact Detail:
Vertical Advantage Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Development Manager - Food
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the FMCG sector, particularly in food. Understanding current market dynamics and consumer preferences will help you speak confidently about category strategies during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG industry, especially those who have experience in category management. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully translated data into actionable insights in previous roles. Being able to articulate your thought process and outcomes will demonstrate your expertise and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the key retailers you'll be working with and understand their strategies and challenges. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your approach and show how you can add value to their business during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Development Manager - Food
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management, particularly within the FMCG sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to translate data into actionable insights.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the food industry and your understanding of the UK retail landscape. Mention how your strategic thinking and collaboration skills align with the company's goals and values.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. For instance, mention how your initiatives led to growth in sales or improved category performance, as this will resonate with the hiring team.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with data analysis and category strategy development. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you successfully influenced stakeholders or drove commercial outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Senior Category Development Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to interpret and leverage market data. Prepare examples of how you've used data to drive category strategies in the past, and be ready to discuss specific insights that led to successful outcomes.
✨Understand the Retail Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the UK retail landscape and key customer strategies relevant to the company. Research their major competitors and current market trends, so you can speak knowledgeably about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams like Marketing and Innovation. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated across functions, and be prepared to discuss how you can bring a shopper-centric approach to the table.
✨Communicate Clearly and Persuasively
Exceptional communication skills are crucial for this position. Practice presenting your ideas and insights clearly, focusing on how you can influence stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses during the interview.
