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- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and manage key UK customer relationships in the food sector.
- Company: Join a top global FMCG powerhouse known for innovative food brands and customer satisfaction.
- 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 drives commercial success.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management within FMCG, strong analytical skills, and exceptional communication abilities.
- Other info: This is a full-time role based in Woking, England.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Senior Category Development Manager – Food
Senior Category Development Manager – Food
1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Direct message the job poster from Vertical Advantage
Connecting High-Calibre Traditional Sales and Marketing Professionals with Top FMCG Businesses | george@vertical-advantage.com
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
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Strategy/Planning, Marketing, and Analyst
-
Industries
Food and Beverage Retail, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Retail
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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 UK food retail market. Understanding current consumer preferences and emerging market dynamics will help you speak confidently about category strategies during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience in category management. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully translated data into actionable insights in your previous roles. Being able to articulate your impact on category growth will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s key customers and their strategies. Tailoring your approach to align with their goals will demonstrate your understanding of the role and your commitment to driving commercial success.
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. Emphasise your analytical skills and any successful strategies you've implemented in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the UK retail landscape and your ability to translate market data into actionable insights. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your strategic thinking and communication skills.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that illustrate your impact in previous roles. For instance, mention how your strategies led to increased sales or improved category performance.
Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration: Since the role requires working with various teams, highlight any experience you have in cross-functional collaboration. Discuss how you’ve successfully partnered with marketing, innovation, or commercial teams to achieve business objectives.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Know Your Market
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the UK food and grocery sector. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence category strategies and how you can leverage them for growth.
✨Data-Driven Insights
Showcase your analytical skills by preparing examples of how you've translated complex data into actionable insights in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to make informed decisions that drive commercial success.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in managing relationships with retailers and suppliers. Discuss specific instances where your collaboration led to successful outcomes, as this role requires strong interpersonal skills.
✨Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your approach to developing and implementing category strategies. Be ready to share examples of how you've identified long-term growth opportunities and aligned them with business objectives.
