Senior category manager

Senior Category Manager (FMCG / Category Development)

Location: United Kingdom (Hybrid)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Category Manager to join a leading consumer goods organization. Working as part of the UK Category Leadership Team, you will develop and execute category growth strategies with major retail partners, influencing assortment, merchandising, promotional activity, and overall category performance.

This is a highly commercial, customer-facing role that combines shopper insight, data analysis, category expertise, and stakeholder management to drive profitable growth for both retailers and the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with long-term business objectives.
• Partner with major retail customers to influence category growth initiatives and execution.
• Build compelling category-led selling stories using shopper, consumer, and market insights.
• Create tailored recommendations around range, merchandising, pricing, and promotions.
• Develop and agree joint business and category plans with retail partners.
• Monitor category performance, market trends, competitor activity, and customer dynamics.
• Identify opportunities and risks, recommending actions to drive growth and improve performance.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, and Commercial teams to ensure alignment.
• Deliver impactful presentations and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support category projects, range reviews, and strategic customer initiatives.

Requirements

• Experience in Category Management, Category Development, Shopper Marketing, Customer Marketing, or Commercial Analytics.
• Proven experience in a customer-facing commercial environment.
• At least one year of category development experience.
• Experience leading category reviews, range reviews, or category growth projects with major grocery or retail accounts.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable business recommendations.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience using syndicated data platforms such as Nielsen, IRI, Circana, or similar category management tools.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing abilities.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience within the UK FMCG sector is advantageous.
• Degree qualification preferred but not essential.