CATEGORY MANAGER

CATEGORY MANAGER

Based Hertfordshire

My client has a new position which demands a classically trained and analytical FMCG professional to influence the future direction and development of their flagship UK category.

The Product Category enjoys a dominant UK position with substantial distribution in the UK Grocery, Specialist Retail and Wholesale sectors and the company is looking for a structured and disciplined Category Manager to influence the future direction and positioning of the Category.

It is imperative that we find someone with strong research, data analysis, cost management, channel strategy and supply chain expertise and from a structured FMCG background.

These skills may have been gained in a Brand, Trade or Category Marketing role and could be supported and enhanced by some Account Management experience within the Multiple Retail sector.

However of most importance is the ability to create strong Commercial and Category propositions to influence internal stakeholders, brand owners and customers towards investment, trade initiatives, incentives and the development of opportunities for the Category YOY.

The Category Manager will be the “Category Expert” working closely with Sales, Marketing and the wider Management & Board teams, as well as the Brand owners in Europe.

We need someone who is creative, able to think “outside the box” and has the confidence to challenge existing strategies and customer expectations.

Key areas of responsibility will include:

• Market Research/Data Analysis
• Tracking Category performance
• Category, competitor and cost analysis
• Recommending and evaluating trade initiatives, investment and ROI
• Creating, recommending and driving Category Plans
• Influencing Sales, Marketing and Customers with compelling and convincing commercial strategy
• Identify opportunities and threats across the Category, Competitors and Trade Channels
• Achieving collaboration from UK Sales & Marketing teams and European Brand owners.

Essential experience required: -

• A structured FMCG background incorporating Marketing or Category Management, some Sales experience would be useful but is not essential
• A creative, entrepreneurial style – able to think independently and “outside the box”
• Competent in analysing and interpreting Data to build compelling category and commercial plans
• Used to influencing internal & external stakeholders, customers and sales teams to achieve a collaborative “buy in” to Category Strategy
• A visible/demonstrable track record of successful Category Development 

The successful applicant will relish joining a medium sized but highly successful, long established family oriented business.

This is a real chance to influence the direction of an already established market leading Category and become a key player in a small, sociable, close knit and passionate team.

Please send your up to date CV to Richard Swallow at Swallow Associates Ltd – richad@swallowassociates.co.uk or call Richard for a confidential discussion on 07774 103577