Category Executive

Advocate Group; St Albans; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Advocate Group is partnering with a Global Food business to recruit a Junior Category Executive in St Albans. You will sit at the heart of the category, turning data into insights to shape customer and marketing decisions.

You'll develop Excel-based reports and dashboards, build storytelling from numbers, and collaborate with the Commercial team. A strong analytical mindset and Excel skills are essential as you start a career in Category Management.

Qualifications

• Analytical and inquisitive mindset with ability to spot trends in data.
• Strong Excel skills, including formulas and PivotTables.
• Ability to explain findings clearly and tell data-driven stories.
• Power BI experience and exposure to FMCG data sources would be advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Analyse sales, distribution, pricing, promotions, range and NPD performance.
• Build and maintain Excel-based reports, tools and dashboards.
• Turn data into clear stories and recommendations.
• Support the Commercial team with customer analysis and sell-in presentations.
• Develop understanding of FMCG categories, shoppers, retailers and commercial strategy.
• Work with experienced Category professionals to grow skills for career progression.
• Help improve how the business uses data and insight as it grows.

Skills

Analytical mind

Excel PivotTables

Data storytelling

Tools

Power BI

Job description

Analytical mindset? Interested in FMCG? Want to build a career in Category Management?

This could be the opportunity for you.

The Advocate Group are working with a Global Food business that is looking for a (Junior) Category Executive. This role is ideally suited to someone with a strong analytical background, has the personality to build relationships and enjoys working with data and wants to take the next step into Category Management.

You don’t need years of category experience. What matters is that you’re naturally curious, confident with numbers and keen to understand what the data is actually telling you.

What you'll be doing

You’ll sit at the heart of the business's category and commercial activity, turning data into insights that help shape customer and marketing decisions.

• Analyse sales, distribution, pricing, promotions, range and NPD performance.
• Build and maintain Excel-based reports, tools and dashboards.
• Turn data into clear stories and recommendations - not just numbers on a spreadsheet.
• Support the Commercial team with customer analysis and sell-in presentations.
• Develop your understanding of FMCG categories, shoppers, retailers and commercial strategy.
• Work alongside experienced Category professionals and build the skills needed to progress your career.
• Help improve how the business uses data and insight as it continues to grow.

Who are we looking for?

You could be a recent graduate, an Analyst, Insight Executive or someone in another data-focused role who is looking for a route into Category Management.

You'll ideally have:

• A genuinely analytical and inquisitive mind.
• Strong Excel skills, including formulas and PivotTables.
• An ability to spot trends, ask questions and understand the why behind the numbers.
• Good communication skills and the confidence to explain your findings.
• Power BI experience and exposure to FMCG data sources such as NIQ, Circana, Kantar or dunnhumby would be advantageous - but not essential.

Why this role?

This isn't simply an analytical reporting role.

It's an opportunity to use your analytical strengths as a springboard into Category Management, gaining exposure to customers, commercial strategy, FMCG data and decision-making from day one.

For the right person, it's a chance to learn quickly, take ownership and build a long-term career in Category within an ambitious, growing business.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.