The Company
This is one of the UK’s standout FMCG success stories of recent years.
Founded by entrepreneurs with a clear vision to disrupt a traditional category, the business has grown from humble beginnings into a category leading premium brand with a loyal consumer following and exceptional retail presence.
Through a relentless focus on quality, innovation, and brand building, the company has not only carved out a distinct position but has redefined expectations within its category, consistently outperforming competitors and driving premiumisation.
Today, it is widely recognised as the leading brand within its segment, delivering sustained double digit growth and gaining share year on year in a highly competitive market.
Following significant recent investment and acquisition by an international food group, the business is entering an exciting new chapter, fuelled by increased marketing spend, a strengthened innovation pipeline, and ambitious expansion plans across channels and markets.
This is a rare opportunity to join a brand that combines entrepreneurial agility with the backing and scale of a global group, and to play a key role in its next phase of growth.
The Role
As Category Manager, you will lead the charge on category strategies that make retailers smile and shoppers come back for more. You will turn data into clear and compelling insights, collaborate with leading retailers, and help deliver a win for retailer, shopper, and brand.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead category strategy and planning that drives growth and shopper engagement
* Identify trends and turn them into opportunities that excite both retailers and shoppers
* Create annual category plans aligned with brand vision and retailer priorities
* Analyse EPOS and panel data to deliver insight led recommendations
* Build trusted relationships with retailers and become their go to category expert
* Optimise assortment, distribution, and space to maximise performance
* Shape pricing and promotional strategies that deliver profitable growth
* Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain to execute best in class plans
* Support new product launches with insight led strategies and manage exit plans for underperforming lines
What We Are Looking For
* Naturally curious with a passion for understanding shopper and category behaviour
* A strong storyteller who can bring data to life and influence decision making
* Commercially astute with a clear understanding of retailer dynamics
* A problem solver who can turn complexity into clear actions
* Comfortable working in a fast paced and high growth environment
* A strong relationship builder who can influence stakeholders at all levels
* A team player with a focus on delivering collective success
Experience Required
* Proven experience in FMCG category, commercial, or strategy roles, typically five years or more
* Strong understanding of key data sources such as Kantar, Nielsen, IRI, and Dunnhumby
* Experience in branded food or drink, ideally within chilled or adjacent categories
* A track record of delivering growth through customer facing category roles
Location and Package
* Hybrid role with one day per week in the Essex head office
* Salary of £50,000 to £60,000
* £6,400 car allowance
* 10% bonus
* Pension and healthcare
Why Join
* Be part of a category leader and one of the most exciting branded growth stories in UK FMCG
* Join a business with proven momentum, strong investment, and clear ambition
* Work in a team where your insights genuinely shape strategy and execution
* Combine the pace of a challenger brand with the backing of an international parent company
* Play a visible role in driving the next phase of category and brand growth
Contact
For more information, please contact Aidan Goodall at FMCG Selection on 01943 667280 or