Category Manager Nordics

MS‑SEARCH; København; Hybrid; DKK 673,000 - 897,000; Full time

Job summary

Savencia Nordics, based in Copenhagen, is seeking a Category Manager Nordics to drive commercial excellence and growth across Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

The role interfaces Marketing and Sales, translating brand strategies into actionable plans, while leading trade marketing, promotions, and data-driven insights.

Hybrid work is available with 2–3 days at the Copenhagen HQ and remote flexibility; strong Nordic market knowledge and language skills are required.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of experience in FMCG sales, marketing, or category management.
• Strong knowledge of the Nordic retail landscape.
• Fluency in Danish and/or Swedish; professional English; Finnish is a plus.
• Analytical and data-driven mindset with strong stakeholder management.
• Experience in international and matrix organizations; results-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Translate marketing strategies into tailored commercial plans for Nordic customers.
• Lead the Sales & Marketing Committee to ensure alignment and execution.
• Manage and enhance data analysis and reporting (Nielsen, market insights).
• Develop and execute trade marketing and promotional plans.
• Drive category management initiatives and support innovation launches.
• Support the local Sales Director in building and executing customer business plans with key retailers and distributors.
• Identify opportunities to improve commercial performance and go-to-market strategies.

Skills

FMCG sales

Category management

Trade marketing

Brand management

Nordic retail knowledge

Danish/Swedish language

English proficiency

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Execution

Small-team collaboration

Tools

Nielsen

Job description

The MS-search agency performs headhunting missions of managers, senior executives and other key players for the benefit of French companies located in the Nordic countries as well as for Nordic companies set up in France and its border states.

Our client, Savencia, is a leading global food group specialized in dairy products, cheese, and high-value nutritional solutions. Headquartered in France, the Group has built a strong international presence through a unique combination of premium brands, technological expertise, and a long-standing commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

With annual revenue of approximately €6.5 billion and around 20,000 employees worldwide, Savencia operates in more than 120 countries. The Group is recognized as one of the world’s top cheese manufacturers and a key player in value-added dairy and nutritional solutions.

Savencia Nordics manages the Group’s activities across Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, with its regional headquarters based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The business operates with a lean and agile team working closely with key retail accounts, distributors, and foodservice partners across the region. The Nordic entity plays a strategic role in expanding Savencia’s footprint in high-potential markets driven by demand for premium, innovative, and sustainable products. Savencia Nordics distributes recognized brands such as Saint Agur, Le Rustique, Cœur de Lion, Tartare, Haute Fromagerie.

POSITION - Category Manager Nordics

The Category Manager plays a central role in driving commercial excellence and category growth across the Nordic region. Acting as a key interface between Marketing and Sales, the role ensures the effective translation of brand strategies into impactful, customer-centric commercial plans.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, Markets, this position requires strong analytical capabilities, commercial acumen, and a hands-on mindset within a small and agile organization.

Key responsabilities :

• Translate marketing strategies into tailored commercial plans for key Nordic customers
• Lead the Sales & Marketing Committee to ensure alignment and execution
• Manage and enhance data analysis and reporting (Nielsen, market insights)
• Develop and execute trade marketing and promotional plans
• Drive category management initiatives and support innovation launches
• Support the local Sales Director in building and executing customer business plans with key retailers and distributors
• Identify opportunities to improve commercial performance and go-to-market strategies

Hybrid working model: 2 to 3 days per week at the Copenhagen headquarters, with flexibility for remote work.

PROFILE

• At least 7 years of experience in FMCG sales, marketing, or category management
• Strong experience in category management, trade marketing and brand management
• Solid knowledge of the Nordic retail landscape
• Fluency in Danish and/or Swedish is required, professional English, Finnish is a plus
• Strong analytical and data-driven mindset
• Experience in international and matrix organizations
• Results-oriented with strong business acumen
• Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration
• Strategic thinking with hands-on execution
• Entrepreneurial and proactive mindset
• Ability to work effectively in a small, fast-paced environment