Category Development Manager - Food

JR United Kingdom; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company in the Food & Drink sector as a Category Development Manager. This role focuses on unlocking category value and growth opportunities through strategic planning and market insights. You will collaborate closely with marketing and innovation teams, driving category growth in key grocery accounts. With a strong emphasis on data analysis and relationship building, this position offers a dynamic environment where your contributions will directly impact the company's success. If you're passionate about category development and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in category management within FMCG or data-led agencies.
• Strong analytical skills to derive insights from market trends.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term category strategies.
• Analyze consumer behaviors to identify new business opportunities.

Skills

Category Insight

Data Analysis

Negotiation Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Degree in Business or Marketing

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Category Development Manager - Food, Surrey

Client:

Vertical Advantage

Location:

Surrey, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

3

Posted:

05.05.2025

Expiry Date:

19.06.2025

Job Description:

The Business:

We've partnered with a category-leading FMCG business working in the Food & Drink industry that owns some of the most well-known brands in the category. The company generates a turnover of well over £1 billion globally and offers great benefits, an exciting culture, training, and progression opportunities.

The Role:

You will focus on unlocking category value and growth opportunities with retailers through translating market data & insight into actionable plans. You will need to broaden your influence and build close relationships with key external contacts, including retail customers.

Work closely with the brand marketing, Innovation, and MS&P teams to ensure clear category, consumer, shopper, and retailer rationale informs planning and innovation processes.

Main Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a long-term plan and strategy to establish the category
• Support NPD initiatives with the commercial and marketing teams based on category and customer-centric thinking
• Generate key category insights by analyzing consumer behaviors and market trends to identify new business opportunities
• Develop and lead Category Management projects to optimize ranges
• Help achieve financial and strategic objectives
• Drive category growth in the grocery channel within two of the most strategic accounts

Key Requirements:

• Experience in category / Category Insight within the FMCG sector or in a strong data-led agency (e.g., Nielsen, Kantar, IRI, dunnhumby)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Effective interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Strong understanding of category development