Are you an experienced Category Manager with a passion for data? Or a Junior Category Manager ready for the next step in your career? Do you thrive in retailer-focused roles and love diving into food trends? If so, this opportunity might be the perfect fit.
Location: Manchester (Hybrid – 2 days from home, 3 in the office)
We are partnering with a growing own-label food manufacturer with a turnover exceeding £200 million. They are a leader in their category, creating delicious, best-selling products for major retailers.
They are now looking for a Category Insight Manager to support further growth with their retail partners. You’ll be joining a collaborative, high-performing team that empowers its people to shine and build long, successful careers.
The Role
As a Category Insight Manager, you will lead the delivery of the category vision, supporting strategic decisions and working closely with Commercial Managers to maximise profit growth.
With significant investment going into new data systems and the broader category function, it’s an exciting time to join and make a meaningful impact.
Key Responsibilities
* Build strong relationships with retail partners by delivering high-quality category expertise that reinforces the company’s position in the market.
* Lead the creation and delivery of regular category performance reports and market updates for both internal teams and customer meetings.
* Work closely with research agencies to gather, interpret, and communicate category insights to stakeholders across the business and to customers.
* Track competitor behaviour on a weekly basis and highlight any notable shifts or opportunities to the business.
* Partner with the NPD team to manage and refine processes that support product development and market readiness.
* Contribute actively to customer planning sessions, strategy workshops, and product evaluation days.
* Evaluate merchandising layouts and macro space performance, offering recommendations that support the overall category strategy.
* Assess promotional performance and provide guidance on future promotional mechanics to drive growth.
* Collaborate with colleagues across the Commercial function, offering insight and support where required.
* Communicate category insights confidently, adapting presentation style to suit a range of audiences.
* Assist customers with marketing initiatives designed to increase category performance and shopper engagement.
* Develop and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder networks to support effective cross-functional working.
* Leverage data to drive meaningful recommendations on ad hoc projects, ensuring decisions are aligned with market needs and customer objectives.
What We’re Looking For
* An experienced Category Manager or Junior Category Manager with 2–3 years’ FMCG experience.
* A passionate foodie with a genuine interest in food trends and data.
* Strong Excel skills.
* Experience working with syndicated data sources.
* A proactive, ambitious individual who thrives in a high-performing team.
* Experience working with the top six UK grocers.
If this sounds like the kind of role you’re hungry for, click Apply now!