At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive category growth through data analysis and strategic planning in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Dynamic international consumer brand with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to major retail partners.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on category strategy across the UK and EMEA markets.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in commercial roles or category management.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
A growing international consumer brand is seeking a commercially minded Category Manager to join its UK commercial strategy function. This is a key position within the business, supporting category growth across the UK and wider EMEA markets through insight-led commercial planning, retailer engagement and strategic analysis.
The business operates within a fast-moving consumer environment and works closely with major retail partners across multiple channels. The culture is collaborative, commercially focused and analytical, with strong emphasis placed on innovation, customer understanding and long-term category development.
The role will focus on translating category, customer and market data into clear commercial recommendations and retailer-ready strategies. Working closely with sales, marketing and product teams, you will support line reviews, range planning, promotional evaluation and wider commercial strategy initiatives.
The position also plays an important role in developing category reporting standards, identifying growth opportunities and helping shape future product and category direction across markets.
This opportunity would suit an existing Category Manager, but the business is equally interested in speaking with individuals from adjacent commercial disciplines who have strong analytical capability and experience using insight to influence commercial decisions. Backgrounds within category analysis, shopper marketing, commercial strategy, customer insight, trade marketing, retail analytics, revenue growth or data-led account management are all highly relevant.
Candidates should be comfortable working with category and retailer data such as Nielsen, IRI, Dunnhumby, SIP or similar platforms, and confident turning analysis into commercially meaningful recommendations and presentations. Strong communication skills, stakeholder management and the ability to work cross-functionally are essential, alongside solid Excel and PowerPoint capability. Exposure to Power BI would be advantageous.
The successful individual will be commercially curious, organised and capable of operating independently within a fast-paced environment. Experience working with retail customers, consumer brands or FMCG environments would be beneficial, although broader commercially analytical backgrounds will also be considered.
National and occasional international travel will form part of the role.
Category Manager UK & EMEA in Manchester employer: Woods & Wood Recruitment
Join a dynamic and innovative international consumer brand as a Category Manager, where you'll thrive in a collaborative and commercially focused culture. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, this role offers unique opportunities to engage with major retail partners across the UK and EMEA, driving category growth through insight-led strategies. Enjoy a fast-paced environment that values analytical skills and creativity, while benefiting from a supportive team dedicated to your success.
Contact Details:
Woods & Wood Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager UK & EMEA in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We recommend practising your answers to common questions and thinking about how your skills align with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that Category Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager UK & EMEA in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager. Highlight your experience in commercial strategy, data analysis, and any relevant tools like Nielsen or IRI. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our collaborative culture. Be sure to mention specific examples from your past that demonstrate your analytical capabilities.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role is all about turning data into actionable insights, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to influence decisions in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can back up their claims with solid evidence!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Woods & Wood Recruitment
✨Know Your Data
Make sure you’re familiar with category and retailer data sources like Nielsen or IRI. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in the past to drive commercial decisions. This shows you can translate insights into actionable strategies.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've used analytical skills in previous roles, especially in category management or related fields. Highlight specific instances where your insights led to successful outcomes, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since strong communication is key for this role, consider preparing a short presentation on a relevant topic to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information simply.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and culture. Be ready to discuss how your personal work style aligns with their collaborative and commercially focused environment. This will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their team.
