The Opportunity:
We are excited to be recruiting for a Category Manager to join our team based in Crick, Northamptonshire or Thirsk, North Yorkshire.
The Role:
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in developing and delivering insight-led, strategic category plans across the pet food sector. As Category Manager, you’ll act as a trusted advisor to our retail partners, leading category reviews, turning data into actionable insights, and driving growth for both the retailer and IPN. You’ll champion the category internally and externally, shaping the future of our market position and supporting the successful execution of brand and innovation plans.
Responsibilities:
* Lead category reviews to provide data-driven recommendations and growth strategies for customers.
* Develop and deploy retailer-specific category visions and 18–24 month engagement plans.
* Translate brand strategies into compelling execution plans that align with key category growth drivers.
* Work collaboratively across commercial and marketing teams, coaching and influencing with external best practices and the voice of the customer.
* Analyse and interpret market and customer data (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, EPOS) to deliver clear, actionable insights.
* Contribute to NPD (New Product Development) processes by identifying category opportunities and building shopper-led selling stories.
* Be the strategic lead for an assigned channel or brand area, providing thought leadership and long-term vision.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
* Graduate calibre in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline.
* Experience in a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) environment.
* Expert user of data tools such as Nielsen, IRI, Kantar, Dunnhumby, or retailer EPOS systems.
* Proven ability to turn complex data into persuasive stories and strategic recommendations.
* Strong communicator with the ability to build trusted relationships both internally and externally.
* Analytical and commercially savvy with deep understanding of FMCG retail environments.
* Solid grasp of category management principles, shopper behaviour, and in-store/online execution.
The Offer:
* Location: Crick, Northamptonshire or Thirsk, North Yorkshire.
* Salary: Competitive
* Hours: 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday (Hybrid working)
* Pension: Employee contributions 3% / Employer contribution 8%
* Holidays: 25 days + Bank Holidays
* Other Benefits: Free parking, tasty treats, free electric car charging, bring your dog to work, discounted products & free hot drinks.
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