Category Development Manager - Sweets

Valeo; York; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food and beverage company is seeking a Category Development Manager to optimize marketing plans and deliver commercial results for both brand and private label. This field-based role requires strong leadership skills, commercial acumen, and the ability to build collaborative relationships with retailers. Experience in FMCG category management is essential. The position offers a range of benefits including a matched pension scheme and staff discounts.

Benefits

Matched pension scheme up to 10%

Death in service

Cycle to work scheme

Canteen

Retailer discount platform

Staff discount

Qualifications

• Experience in FMCG category management.
• Proven track record of creating strategic change that shapes business results.
• Experience in building collaborative retailer relationships.

Responsibilities

• Deliver commercial results on brand and private label.
• Optimize marketing plans in collaboration with Sales and Marketing teams.
• Lead category projects and make astute decisions based on category KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial acumen

Collaboration skills

Strong adaptability

Selling skills

Presentation skills

Tools

Nielsen

Circana

Kantar

dunnhumby

Job description

Company Description

At Valeo Foods UK, we're the creative force behind an array of beloved brands spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition. From the iconic crunch of Kettle Crisps to the pure sweetness of Rowse Honey, and the rich heritage of Matthew Walker puddings, our portfolio reflects our commitment to quality and diversity.

Our family of brands extends further, encompassing an exciting array of products and experiences. Whether it's the Wild West flavours of New World Foods, the nostalgic joy of Barratt sweets, or the timeless appeal of Metcalfe Popcorn, each brand carries its own unique story, flavour, and charm. Join us on a journey where passion meets flavour, crafting experiences that bring people together and delight taste buds.

Job Description

The Category Development Manager is responsible for delivering commercial results both on brand and private label. You will achieve these targets by mastering category-based selling, turning the marketing plans into selling decks that will maximise success with our customers. The scope of the team will be across all category groups from Valeo Foods UK. The role is field-based to allow maximum time with customers. The role will also involve optimizing marketing plans and will be an everyday partner to both the Sales and Marketing teams.

• Leadership to shape, align, and plan. Takes ownership & leads category projects.
• Commercial acumen. Understands influence of category KPIs & makes astute decisions.
• Collaboration skills including the capacity to energize stakeholders & build relationships.
• Personal Best: capacity to seek to be better tomorrow than we are today.
• Strong adaptability to operate across all category groups and retailers.
• Strong selling skills and mastery of a compelling category-based selling method.
• Excellent presentation skills - written and verbal.
• Experience in FMCG category management.
• Experience in leading & influencing retailer category reviews.
• Experience in category-based selling.
• Experience in building collaborative retailer relationships & influencing their decisions.
• Experience in utilizing data provider's tools and databases (e.g., Nielsen, Circana, Kantar, dunnhumby).
• Experience in influencing & shaping marketing plans.
• Proven track record of creating strategic change that shapes business results.

Benefits include:

• Matched pension scheme up to 10%
• Death in service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Canteen
• Retailer discount platform
• Staff discount