Senior Category Manager

Senior Category Manager

Surrey Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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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 senior 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.

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.

We are seeking an experienced Category Manager/Senior Category Manager to lead strategic category initiatives while managing 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 senior 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 Manager employer: Vertical Advantage

As a leading global FMCG powerhouse, our client offers an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a culture that prioritises strategic insight and professional growth, with ample opportunities to lead impactful category initiatives. Located in the UK, this role not only provides competitive remuneration but also the chance to work with market-leading brands, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a significant impact in the FMCG sector.
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Contact Detail:

Vertical Advantage Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the FMCG sector, especially within the food category. Understanding current market dynamics and consumer behaviour will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the FMCG industry, particularly those who have experience in category management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully driven category growth in previous roles. Highlight your analytical skills and how you've used data to influence decision-making and strategy.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company’s key customers and their strategies. Being able to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager

Strategic Thinking
Analytical Skills
Market Data Interpretation
Category Management
Retail Strategy Development
Communication Skills
Influencing Skills
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Insight Generation
Commercial Acumen
Relationship Management
Project Management
Autonomy
Time Management

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 FMCG industry and detail how your previous roles have prepared you for this position. Mention your experience with key retailers and how you've successfully driven category growth.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples of how you've used market data to inform decision-making in past roles. Highlight any specific tools or methodologies you’ve employed to analyse data and derive insights.

Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've worked with marketing and commercial teams to achieve business objectives.

How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Senior Category 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 decisions in the past, and be ready to discuss specific insights you've derived from complex datasets.

✨Understand the Retail Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the UK retail landscape and the key players within it. Research the company's major customers and their strategies. This knowledge will help you align your responses with the company's goals and show that you're proactive.

✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration

Highlight your experience working with different teams, such as Marketing and Innovation. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated to achieve commercial outcomes, as this role requires strong cross-functional relationships.

✨Communicate Clearly and Persuasively

Exceptional communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice presenting your ideas clearly and persuasively, especially when discussing data-driven insights. Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses during the interview.

Senior Category Manager
Vertical Advantage
Location: Surrey
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