Category Manager
Hybrid role (4 days in office, WFH Fridays)
Up to £60,000
About our Client
A long-established UK food business specialising in sourcing and supplying a wide range of high-quality ambient ingredients to both retail and foodservice markets.
The Role
As Category Manager you will report directly to the Marketing Manager (with additional frequent contact with the Sales & Marketing Director). You will be responsible for providing detailed, account-specific category insights and quality market analysis in line with scheduled and ad-hoc requirements. You will be required to offer proactive recommendations on growing sales in response to market trends. You will also work closely support the sales team in preparing in-depth customer presentations.
Key responsibilities
* Support sales and marketing teams by creating engaging, customer-focused presentations for both existing and prospective clients.
* Provide category development recommendations to help customers optimise product ranges and drive growth.
* Prepare and deliver presentations in agreed formats, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
* Compile and present draft data within agreed timescales for internal review.
* Develop and enhance the company's research function, leveraging data to inform strategy and business growth.
* Build in-depth knowledge of customers, brands, and market data to support commercial decisions.
* Produce and maintain regular market and competitor analysis reports, highlighting key trends and opportunities.
* Monitor industry and consumer trends, providing insights on growth potential and category performance.
* Establish and maintain strong working relationships with customers, suppliers, and data providers.
* Collaborate closely with internal teams across sales, marketing, procurement, technical, supply chain, and finance.
* Support wider marketing activities by undertaking ad-hoc research projects as required.
Candidate Profile
* Strong preference for candidates with a background in the food industry, though experience in other FMCG sectors will be considered.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint.
* University-educated, ideally holding a 2:1 degree or higher in a relevant data, analytics, or numerical discipline.
* Full driving licence.
* Experience with market research platforms such as Circana, IRI, Nielsen, or Kantar is desirable.
* Minimum of 1 year of directly relevant experience in data analytics.
* Excellent attention to detail and strong time-management skills.
What we Offer
* Up to £60k salary
* Discretionary and EOT bonus
* 25 days holiday
* Matched Pension contributions up to 5%
* Healthcare and life cover
* Work from home on Fridays
* Free breakfast provided