Head of Category Development & Planning (TMEA)

Tate & Lyle; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Head of Category Development and Planning for the TMEA region. This pivotal role involves leading a motivated team to drive category growth through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. You will be at the forefront of developing comprehensive category strategies while ensuring high-performance standards across various markets. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a keen understanding of FMCG dynamics, and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization. Join a forward-thinking company that values inclusivity and empowers its employees to excel in their careers.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading high-performing teams in B2C or B2B environments.
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects and timelines effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead category development and planning for the TMEA region.
• Develop and execute customer category strategies and plans.

Skills

Business Leadership

Project Management

Communication Skills

FMCG Knowledge

Category Strategy Development

Education

Business Degree

Food Engineering Degree

Marketing Degree

Tools

SFDC

Job description

Head of Category Development and Planning TMEA

Location : Dubai (Hybrid working, office & home-based)

Contract : Permanent, full-time

This is an exceptional opportunity for someone looking to create a legacy and advance industry knowledge across Turkey, Middle East and Africa, one of the fastest-growing markets within Tate and Lyle.

We are looking for someone who can lead, motivate, and inspire, an emerging team. You will deliver category growth, through a consumer first lens, partnering with key customers supporting the application / technical service and commercial teams. A unique role in the combination of skills, and ability to partner with all functions from commercial, marketing, NPD and sensory.

What you’ll be doing

You will be an ambitious leader, who sees opportunities that others may not and build that into a clear story for decisions and actions. Hungry for impact, you will demonstrate an external focus, bringing the external world and opportunities to the table and connect it with business growth for customers and therefore Tate and Lyle. You will thrive in fast moving environments and be an experienced communicator for all levels of the business. Most of all, you will be excited by the challenges of working in an ambitious business.

Key responsibilities :

Ensure High-Performance Mindset and Facilitation

• Shepard a small team with a clear category lens forum for the region, lead through example.
• Build strong interdependent partnerships and high-performance partnerships to ensure achievement of regional category goals.

Category Plans for the TMEA Region : In line with regional category growth and TMEA business priorities

• Develop with your team, formulate and recommend a comprehensive, customer category strategy and executable strategy plan for the TMEA region, focus on the high priority markets of Middle East, South Africa and Turkey.
• Develop comprehensive customer category strategy for second tier markets (Western Africa).
• Implement comprehensive category strategy for distributors in the region.

Regional Communications

• Trade Shows lead, develop and execute local implementation. Ensure brand standards are on point, coordinated with TS and Commercial teams to ensure desired outcome.
• Public Relations highlight opportunity and desirability of PR (press releases, editorials, features, interviews and proactive media outreach.) in the Region.

Regional execution of category solution-based approach

• Develop an overarching strategic framework for TMEA through regional understanding of customer needs.
• Work closely and get buy-in from TS, marketing communications, sales organization on localized category strategic approach. This will vary by country and customer.

Regional Customer Solutions Development & Planning :

• Support and monitor customer project pipeline through SFDC, responsible for meeting AOP targets for category.
• Develop targeted push campaigns (strategic initiatives) to become a solution-based approach with keen insights by category. It would include GA, RKA and distributors.
• Position value added category strategies through marketing communications at trade shows.
• Work closely with sales, technical service and marketing communications teams to identify and understand customer needs in order to develop customers with well-established solution based arguments, such as improved taste and cost reduction, effectively differentiate offers and deliver customer innovation.
• Ideation : provide insights to R&D and Product management to assist in the identification of new product development opportunities.

What you’ll have

• Experience working a business leadership leading high performing teams either B2C or B2B.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and timelines from multiple stakeholders within a complex organization.
• Experience and exposure to issues / concerns of FMCG manufacturers.
• Knowledge of leading techniques in identifying food and beverage category dynamics and translating to relevant business opportunities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (including presentation and listening skills) Arabic or French a plus.
• Education background within business, food engineering or marketing (advantageous).

Explore the possibilities in Turkey, Middle East & Africa

Turkey, Middle East & Africa is a region full of potential for Tate & Lyle – with a new R&D Center in Dubai inspiring fresh innovations for our customers. To deliver our ambitious growth agenda, we have a progressive talent strategy that is empowering our people to be at their best. Our inclusive culture fosters a sense of belonging and a shared connection to our purpose. It is an exciting time to be here and embark on an incredible career trajectory.

Tate & Lyle is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.