The Sofidel Group
Sofidel, headquartered in Porcari (Lucca), is a global leader in tissue paper production. With a presence in 12 European countries and 11 U.S. states, we employ over 9,000 people dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Our products, including toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins, are available in more than 50 countries.
We proudly own well-known brands such as Regina, Nicky, Sopalin, Le Trèfle, Hakle, Softis, Nalys, Cosynel, and KittenSoft, while also producing for private-label retailers. With the Papernet brand, we also cater to the "Away-from-Home" sector, ensuring quality solutions for businesses and public spaces.
Wherever you are, Sofidel is there, bringing comfort, quality, and sustainability to everyday life!
PURPOSE
To propose and implement collaborative plans, in order to develop the performance of Group’s brands on the market aiming the optimization of the Category KPI’s for both Sofidel and key customers.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Cures the local NPD process with the support of the Central Product Manager
2. Supports the Central Marketing departments giving local insight for all texts for social post, packaging, authorized communication and guaranteeing the translation into local language
3. Shares market information (market & channel trends, competitors’ products, customers, consumers, shoppers…) to facilitate decision making process
4. Collaborates with the Line Manager and Central Marketing to define and update marketing plan & business priorities
5. Monitors periodically the Below The Line budget, guaranteeing that orders and invoices match
6. Supports the Key Account Manager to elaborate the customer plans & the Joint Business Plans and studies and executes analysis for Shopper insights & Category development, for continuous improvement
7. Drives the partnership programs with Key Customers on Category Management projects in collaboration with the Key Account Manager
8. Examines the Retail Measurement Services (RMS), Consumer Panel Service (CPS) and client data and provides recommendations about promotional strategies, assortment and shelf share enlargement for every key client.
9. Sets up tailormade on & off-line consumer promotions agreed with any client within the category plan and the Joint Business Plan
10. Drafts Trade Stories for Key Account Manager’s to facilitate the listing of new products
11. Drives “go2market” programs by banner for every new product (leaflets, trial promotions, POS support, merchandising…)
12. Develops in-store & on-line material to improve the product visibility
13. Supports Field Sales Manager and Key Account Manager defining any specific action from Perfect Store KPI’s
14. Promotes a safety-bound corporate culture
15. Applies the Corporate Principles and Values
.
Sofidel UK (Baglan) have an exciting opportunity for a strategically minded and analytical individual to join our Marketing and Sales team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual looking to apply their commercial and data expertise in a role that offers a challenge as well the chance to learn and grow within a dynamic FMCG environment.
About the role:
As a category manager, you will develop and implement category strategies that drive sales growth, strengthen retailer partnerships, and optimise product assortment, pricing, and promotions in line with company objectives and shopper needs.
What you will need:
16. 3+ years of proven experience in category management, trade marketing, or commercial roles within FMCG.
17. Proven track record working directly with UK grocery retailers
18. Demonstrated success in delivering category plans that improved distribution, market share, and profitability
19. Proficiency with Nielsen, IRI, Kantar, Dunnhumby, and retailer EPOS systems
20. Evidence of commercial impact – influencing assortment, shelving, and promotional effectiveness
Qualifications:
21. Degree-level education in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
22. Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; familiarity with category management software/tools.
Key Competencies:
23. Commercial acumen: Understands market dynamics, shopper behaviour, and retailer strategies.
24. Analytical mindset: Able to turn data into actionable insights and compelling stories.
25. Influencing skills: Capable of building strong relationships and influencing internal stakeholders and external retail partners.
26. Executional excellence: Strong project management skills, ensuring timely and effective delivery of category initiatives.
27. Collaboration: Works cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain.
Personal Attributes:
28. Proactive, results-driven, and resilient.
29. Strong communicator with excellent presentation skills.
30. Shopper- and customer-focused mindset.
31. Agile and adaptable to a fast-paced, competitive market.
32. Curious, innovative, and passionate about FMCG trends and consumer insights.
Desirable:
33. Experience in branded category.
34. Exposure to eCommerce or omnichannel retail environments
What we can offer you:
35. Competitive Salary
36. Full time role (Onsite)
37. Company Sick Pay
38. Life Assurance Scheme
39. Private Health Insurance
40. Pension contribution plus salary sacrifice option
41. Discount on Company products
42. 23 days annual leave, rising to 25 with service (+ public holidays)
43. On Site parking (with electric vehicle charging available)
44. Sofidel Language Learning Programme through innovative digital platform for you and one additional user, such as family member or friend.