Head of Category – FMCG Drinks
Location: UK (Hybrid)
Salary: £75,000 – £90,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus + Excellent Benefits
We are recruiting for a Head of Category to join a leading business within the FMCG drinks industry. This is a high-profile role leading a Category team and working closely with senior stakeholders across the business to shape category strategy and drive commercial growth.
This role would suit an experienced Category professional who is passionate about Category Management, enjoys leading and developing people, and is confident influencing senior stakeholders across a business.
The Role
You will be responsible for leading category strategy across a key area of the business, managing and developing a small team, and working cross-functionally with commercial, marketing, and senior leadership teams. The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on category leadership and stakeholder management.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead category strategy and long-term planning
* Manage, coach and develop a Category team
* Build strong relationships with senior internal stakeholders
* Deliver category insight, recommendations and growth plans
* Work closely with commercial teams to support customer strategy
* Use data, insight and market trends to shape category direction
* Present category strategy and recommendations to senior leadership
* Drive category growth, performance and opportunities across the business
About You
We are looking for someone who:
* Has strong Category Management experience within FMCG
* Ideally has drinks or closely related FMCG category experience
* Has led or managed a team (even a small team)
* Is confident influencing and presenting to senior stakeholders
* Is passionate about Category Management and strategic thinking
* Has a strong understanding of category insight, data and market trends
* Enjoys mentoring and developing people
* Is comfortable working in a fast-paced commercial environment
Experience Required
* 5–10+ years Category Management experience within FMCG
* Experience leading category strategy
* Experience managing or mentoring team members
* Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
* Experience working with major retailers is advantageous
Package & Benefits
* Salary £75,000 – £90,000 + car allowance
* Bonus (performance related)
* Pension (5% employee / 10% employer)
* Family healthcare cover
* Life assurance
* 24/7 GP access
* Monthly product allowance
* 28 days holiday + bank holidays
This is an excellent opportunity for a Category leader looking to step into a highly visible leadership role within a major FMCG business.
Please apply if interested.