Category Executive

Alexander Steele Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,500 - 49,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary and EOT bonus

23 days holiday increasing with length of service

Matched pension contributions up to 5%

Healthcare and life cover

Free breakfast provided

Job summary

A UK food sourcing company is seeking a Category Executive. The role focuses on market analysis and client presentations, with a salary of up to £45,000 and hybrid work options (4 days in office, WFH Fridays). Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in data analytics, preferably within the food or FMCG sectors. This position offers various benefits, including healthcare and life cover, as well as growth opportunities within the company.

Qualifications

• Strong background in the food industry or other FMCG sectors.
• Minimum of 1 year of directly relevant experience in data analytics.
• Full driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging presentations for clients.
• Provide recommendations for category development.
• Develop market analysis reports and monitor trends locally.

Skills

Data analysis

Market research

Presentation skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

2:1 degree in a relevant data, analytics, or numerical discipline

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Market research platforms (Circana, IRI, Nielsen, Kantar)

Job description

Base pay range

Category Executive

Hybrid role (4 days in office, WFH Fridays)

Up to £45,000

Overview

A long-established UK food business specialising in sourcing and supplying a wide range of high-quality ambient ingredients to both retail and foodservice markets.

The Role

As Category Executive you will report directly to the Marketing Manager (with additional frequent contact with the Sales & Marketing Director). You will be responsible for providing detailed, account-specific category insights and quality market analysis in line with scheduled and ad-hoc requirements. You will be required to offer proactive recommendations on growing sales in response to market trends. You will also work closely support the sales team in preparing in-depth customer presentations.

Key responsibilities

• Support sales and marketing teams by creating engaging, customer-focused presentations for both existing and prospective clients.
• Provide category development recommendations to help customers optimise product ranges and drive growth.
• Prepare and deliver presentations in agreed formats, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Compile and present draft data within agreed timescales for internal review.
• Develop and enhance the company’s research function, leveraging data to inform strategy and business growth.
• Build in-depth knowledge of customers, brands, and market data to support commercial decisions.
• Produce and maintain regular market and competitor analysis reports, highlighting key trends and opportunities.
• Monitor industry and consumer trends, providing insights on growth potential and category performance.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with customers, suppliers, and data providers.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams across sales, marketing, procurement, technical, supply chain, and finance.
• Support wider marketing activities by undertaking ad-hoc research projects as required.

Candidate Profile

• Strong preference for candidates with a background in the food industry, though experience in other FMCG sectors will be considered.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint.
• University-educated, ideally holding a 2:1 degree or higher in a relevant data, analytics, or numerical discipline.
• Full driving licence.
• Experience with market research platforms such as Circana, IRI, Nielsen, or Kantar is desirable.
• Minimum of 1 year of directly relevant experience in data analytics.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong time-management skills.

What we Offer

• Up to £45k salary
• Discretionary and EOT bonus
• 23 days holiday which increases with length of service
• Matched Pension contributions up to 5%
• Healthcare and life cover
• Work from home on Fridays
• Free breakfast provided