Category Developer Attractive Salary & Benefits 36.5 Hour week (Hybrid) Newtownabbey We are excited to be hiring for this newly created position within our Category Development Team. If you would like to develop your career in one of NIs leading retail and wholesale companies, and your skills match those detailed below, wed love to hear from you! About us Henderson Group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We are a family-run and owned leading N.I. company who employ over 5,500 staff and were placed 6th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2025. Henderson Wholesale is a leading Wholesaler in Northern Ireland and supplies goods to over 450 retail stores across various brands such as SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVO. We source from local farmers, growers and producers and are proud to contribute to our local economy and environment. We achieved Gold accreditation against the Investors in People standard framework in 2023 in recognition of people management excellence and our commitment to investment in people. A look into the role Reporting to the Category Development Manager, this newly created role is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of category transformation. As a central figure in shaping the future of our retail and food offering, youll play a pivotal role in bringing innovation, fresh thinking, and long-term vision to how we manage and grow key categories. Youll work closely with teams across Customer Proposition, Trading, Food Development, Marketing, and Stores to shape and deliver forward-thinking category strategies. Using data insights, you'll spot trends, identify growth opportunities, and turn them into clear, actionable plans. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on innovation, works at a fast pace, and wants to make a real impact on the future of retail. You'll learn a lot quickly and get to work with different parts of the business, giving you a great chance to grow and develop your skills. Working as Category Developer will involve: Supporting the category strategy development process by gathering and analysing, category, customer and shopper insights. Working with the Category Development Manager to develop category specific tactics that align with the broader strategy. Identifying and tracking emerging market trends to help ensure future strategies align with customer needs, with opportunities to present your findings and bring your ideas to life. Coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and execution of the category strategy. Assisting development projects within the category gate process framework, taking ownership of timeline, execution, and results reporting. Providing project coordination support to ensure category projects are delivered on time, with opportunities to lead specific workstreams within larger initiatives. Collaborating on product sourcing solutions by researching potential partners and collecting information on range gaps identified through the category review process. Compiling comprehensive reports on category and own brand performance, with responsibility to identify and recommend potential areas for improvement. Actively contributing insights to the food development process and coordinating cross-functional input at key project milestones. Skills for Success Joining us as Category Developer the minimum criteria youll need is: Minimum 2 years experience working in the FMCG market or retail environment. Analytical skills with the ability to transform data into meaningful insights. Competent in MS Office packages particularly in Excel, PowerPoint and Word. Clean valid UK/EU Driving license with access to your own vehicle. The Attributes youll need include: Communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams. Organisational abilities with proven project management aptitude. Proactive, self-starter, flexible and adaptable. It is Desirable if you have: A third level qualification (business or commercial related degree) Are we right for you? As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by. Ambition We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better. Customer First We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities. Teamwork We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills. Integrity We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity. The Reward Benefits include market competitive salary, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Reward Gateway Employee Recognition & Discount Scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more. This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 8:45am-4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 8:45am-3:45pm Friday. Hybrid and flexible working arrangement available. Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Thursday 12th June 2025. *Applicants should note that we reserve the right to apply the desirable criteria if required at shortlisting stage We are an equal opportunities employer. Skills: Commercial Acumen Data Analysis Category Development Insights Benefits: Medical Aid / Health Care Staff Discounts Company Pension Employee Development