Category Insights Manager

Zest Recruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Surrey is seeking a Category Insight Manager to lead data-driven sales growth and category development. The role involves market analysis, team collaboration, and providing actionable insights. The ideal candidate holds a degree and has strong experience in data analytics within the FMCG sector, alongside proficiency with market data platforms. This position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working arrangements, and attractive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Matched pension contributions

Private healthcare

Hybrid working with work-from-home Fridays

Free breakfast onsite

23 days holiday

Qualifications

• 2:1 degree or above in relevant field.
• Proven experience in data analytics within FMCG.
• Ability to present complex data insights clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of category insights and market analysis.
• Create engaging presentations for retail and foodservice.
• Develop market and competitor reports using data platforms.
• Provide recommendations to maximize growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with different teams to support decision-making.
• Manage research projects and insights assignments.

Skills

Data analytics

Advanced Excel

PowerPoint

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Degree in a relevant data, numerical, or business discipline

Tools

Circana

NielsenIQ

Kantar

Job description

Overview

Category Insight Manager - FMCG (Food) – Surrey (Hybrid - WFH Fridays). Salary £45,000 - £60,000 + Bonus + Benefits.

A wonderful chance to join this ambient food manufacturer as a Category Insight Manager. Supplying both own-label and branded products to all major UK retailers and foodservice customers, this role is key to driving data-led sales growth and category development. Reporting to the Marketing Manager and working closely with senior leadership, you will provide detailed, account-specific category insights and strategic market analysis. You\'ll play a pivotal role in shaping customer strategies through actionable recommendations and compelling presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of in-depth category insights and market analysis to support sales and marketing teams
• Create engaging, data-driven customer presentations for retail and foodservice accounts
• Develop and maintain regular market and competitor reports using industry-standard data platforms (e.g., Circana, NielsenIQ, Kantar)
• Provide proactive recommendations to maximise growth opportunities based on market trends
• Collaborate across teams including sales, marketing, procurement, technical, supply chain, and finance
• Drive the evolution of the company\'s research capabilities to support strategic decision-making
• Manage ad-hoc research projects and insights assignments

About You

• Degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant data, numerical, or business discipline
• Strong experience in data analytics, preferably within food or FMCG
• Experience working with market data platforms such as Circana, NielsenIQ, or Kantar is highly desirable
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear, concise insights
• Analytical mindset with excellent attention to detail and strong time-management skills
• Self-motivated, autonomous, and a collaborative team player with a passion for professional growth

Benefits

• Competitive salary £45,000 - £60,000 plus discretionary and employee ownership trust (EOT) bonus
• Matched pension contributions up to 5%
• Private healthcare and life insurance
• Hybrid working with work-from-home Fridays
• Free breakfast provided onsite
• 23 days holiday, increasing with length of service

This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded insight professional ready to make a significant impact within a dynamic and values-driven business.

As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this \'one of a kind\' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please consider our privacy policy on the website.