Category Development Manager – Aldi Lidl (12 Month Contract)
Apply for the Category Development Manager – Aldi Lidl (12 Month Contract) role at Mars.
Job Description
Aldi and Lidl have transformed the UK market, with over 80% of shoppers visiting those stores every year. This provides a huge opportunity to unlock additional shoppers and snacking occasions, and we’re looking for a dynamic Category Development Manager to spearhead our strategy with Aldi and Lidl.
In this role you will shape the overall channel strategy for discounters and lead key strategic category initiatives across the wider category team.
Key Responsibilities
* Create short‑ and long‑term category strategies for Aldi and Lidl, ensuring a strong understanding of category growth drivers, shopper behaviours and levers for growth across the market and within these customers.
* Build strong and influential relationships externally and internally, focused on delivering shopper, channel, and category centric solutions so that Mars is viewed as the trusted category expert.
* Lead and influence customer thinking and execution of key initiatives such as store layouts, range and space allocation, location optimisation and best‑in‑class activation of category products.
* Support the creation and development of category growth opportunities for Aldi and Lidl and the wider discounter customer base, delivering against strategic initiatives including seasonal events, category fundamentals (assortment, space share, distribution) and branded vs private‑label execution.
Qualifications (What we’re looking for)
* Category management/customer management experience – essential.
* Developing and maintaining strong relationships both internally and externally – essential.
* Working in a cross‑functional environment/team – essential.
* Data literate, able to turn data into insights and actions – essential.
* Experience with category management tools – desirable but not essential.
* Experience developing strategies and leading transformational change – desirable.
* Financially astute and proven business judgement with an understanding of the commercial impact of decisions – desirable.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Marketing and Sales
Industries
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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