Category Development Manager

Kenny Recruit; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Kenny Recruit is seeking a Category & Market Development Manager to join a well-established international FMCG business growing in the UK market. You will develop commercial and marketing strategies across multiple product categories and bring products successfully to market.

Based in Basildon with office-based hours Mon-Thu and remote on Fridays, the role offers £50,000–£60,000 per year and the autonomy to shape category strategies while collaborating with local and international stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in Category Management, Marketing or a similar role.
• Experience in FMCG, retail or a fast-paced consumer goods environment.
• Strong understanding of the marketing mix, product development, positioning and launches.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute commercial and market development strategies across multiple product categories.
• Create business plans, manage category budgets and monitor KPIs to deliver growth.
• Analyse sales data and market trends to identify opportunities and maximise revenue.
• Develop pricing strategies, product positioning and go-to-market plans.
• Coordinate product launches with internal stakeholders and ensure brand consistency.

Skills

Category Management

Marketing

Commercial mindset

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or Marketing

Job description

Kenny Recruit are looking for a Category & Market Development Manager to join

a well-established international FMCG business, growing in the UK market, who specialise in the development, manufacturing and distribution of market-leading consumer products across multiple retail categories.

We're looking for someone with experience, but who is also still growing into their career, in developing commercial and marketing strategies across multiple product categories within an FMCG or retail environment. This role will suit someone who enjoys combining strategic thinking with hands-on execution, identifying opportunities for growth and bringing products successfully to market. We're looking for a commercially minded individual who is passionate about category development, brand growth and delivering exceptional results across multiple markets.

Our client is a well-established and growing consumer products business with ambitious plans for continued expansion. This is an exciting opportunity to join the business in a highly visible role where you'll have the autonomy to shape category strategies, influence commercial decision-making and work closely with both local and international stakeholders to drive business performance.

Pay: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum

Location: Basildon

Working hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30am - 5:30pm (in the office), Friday, 8:30am - 2:30pm (working remotely)

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute commercial and market development strategies across multiple product categories.
• Create business plans, manage category budgets and monitor KPIs to deliver sustainable growth.
• Take ownership of category performance, analysing sales data and identifying opportunities to maximise revenue and profitability.
• Develop pricing strategies, product positioning and go-to-market plans to strengthen market presence.
• Coordinate successful product launches, working collaboratively with internal stakeholders.
• Adapt marketing campaigns to meet local market requirements while maintaining brand consistency.
• Optimise retail execution, supporting improvements in product visibility and the overall customer experience.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a key point of contact across multiple markets.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and consumer insights to identify future growth opportunities.
• Provide regular commercial reporting and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

Requirements:

• 3-5 years' experience within Category Management, Marketing, Commercial or a similar role.
• Experience working within FMCG, retail or another fast-paced consumer goods environment.
• Strong understanding of the marketing mix, including product development, positioning, pricing strategy and product launches.
• Proven experience developing commercial strategies that deliver category growth.
• Strong knowledge of FMCG distribution channels and retail environments.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.
• A proactive and entrepreneurial approach, with the ability to take ownership and drive projects from concept through to execution.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Highly adaptable with excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing or a related discipline.
• Native-level English proficiency.

Next Steps…

Shortlisted candidates will obviously be contacted regarding this specific role and if you haven't heard from us within a week, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. We'd love to provide feedback to every applicant but due to the high volume of applications we receive, unfortunately this isn't always possible. We will keep your CV on file and contact you regarding future opportunities that may be of interest. Alternatively, feel free to get in touch for a confidential chat about your next career move.