Outputs:

• Provide strategic direction for the development of Meals within our retail partners, including identification of new opportunities
• Develop a Meals category plan, to deliver growth in line with the aims & objectives 
• Drive the Category agenda including Category Planning, Pricing, Promotions, Pack/Price strategies, Perfect Store and NPD Commerciality across the business
• Share in an engaging way the latest category performance, trends & insight, with recommendations on how to outperform the market
• Creation & implementation of category & shopper marketing strategies
• Lead activity from research & concept through to instore activation & customer communication

Responsibilities:

• Build relationships with relevant retailer stakeholders, so we are their first point of contact for category expertise
• Identify growth opportunities both within the Meals category & new propositions
• Develop clear & compelling actions based on insights from the macro environment, market, retailer, shopper & consumer
• Develop tactical plans across store formats including online, space, flow & SKU distribution which deliver growth
• Deliver category arguments in line with the overall strategy, using data from multiple sources, to deliver growth in our categories
• Influencing product briefs & leading the internal Gate 0
• Management & delivery of regular monthly & seasonal reporting
• Build a rolling promotional plan, with recommendations based on meeting shoppers needs and Category commercial objectives, including activation
• Additionally

   

• Champion the voice of the consumer & shopper, promoting & influencing a consumer led culture across commercial & development teams
• Use a model of Plan-Do-Review to ensure that we measure success & take improvements forward for future projects
• Work collaboratively with our retailers, providing consistent end-to-end support

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Essential

• A background working for an FMCG manufacturer or retailer in Category or Commercial
• Experience interpreting market and consumer insight data (Nielsen, Kantar etc.)
• Commercial acumen and the confidence to turn opportunities into sales
• Detail orientated
• A proven ability in delivering insightful presentations with impact which deliver tangible outcomes
• Keen to develop knowledge and be an expert, talking articulately about the industry, retailer, shopper & consumer
• Compelling and engaging communication style that conveys the expertise expected of a Manager
• Ability to grow relationships with key stakeholders & influence at all levels

Ideal

• Category Manager with a proven track record in fresh food for at least 3 years
• Experience in working with major multiple retailer/s
• Experience working with retailer loyalty data