Category Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Category Manager to join our client, a leading global FMCG company with Brands such as Dove, Knorr, Persil & Magnum, based at their prestigious facility in Leatherhead (to work from home until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted).

This is a full-time temporary role for a period of 12 months, working a 36.25-hour week, to start ASAP. This role is paying between £32,800 - £41,000, pro rata per annum, depending on experience.

We are seeking employees with a passion for exciting entrepreneurial experiences, who want to pursue unique career opportunities and have a desire to be an integral part in building the bright future of this plant-based company, Unilever's Tea Division.

We are looking for individuals who think Green and are environmentally conscious, who understand the power of simplicity and who are accountable for their actions. We want those who infuse mastery and passion in everything they do to create great products and unforgettable experiences for our consumers.

This is an externally facing role which is about building collaborative relationships with our UK retailers to drive long term and sustainable category growth. You will support the development of joint category plans and strategies that deliver mutual growth for our retailers and for UL. Influencing our retailers through providing best in class customer and shopper insight which will inform range assortment, merchandising as well as price and promotional recommendations.

Responsibilities:

• Build collaborative and independent relationships with key retailer stakeholders (buyers, merchandisers) to become a trusted partner
• Analysis and interpretation of multiple customer and shopper data sources to generate actionable insights on category risks and opportunities
• Deliver Category range review recommendations which focus on the optimal assortment and merchandising supported by clear insight and rationale across priority customers
• Deliver key category/customer reporting and ad hoc analysis as required
• Building network of relationships internally with key stakeholders (CMD, CCD, CD, Marketing)

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in a similar category management (FMCG food/refreshments preferred) or relevant CD/Insights role.
• Communication skills
• Relationship building
• High level of curiosity and drive to understand the 'what' and 'why'
• Analytically minded
• Good working knowledge of Excel (including Pivot Tables and V Lookups)
• High level of presentation skills
• Influencing skills through story telling
• Ability to conflicting demands and adapt to changing priorities