Category Manager

DCS Group (UK) Ltd; Banbury; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Pension scheme

Health Cash Plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Wellbeing initiatives

Hybrid working

Free breakfast at cafe

Staff shop

Social events

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

DCS Group (UK) Ltd is seeking an experienced Category Manager to drive category growth within its Sales & Distribution team at Banbury. You will analyse category performance, optimise ranges and space, and turn data into clear commercial recommendations.

You will collaborate with customers and internal teams to deliver tailored advice and develop core product ranges. The role requires solid FMCG category management experience, strong Excel and PowerPoint skills, and the ability to influence

Qualifications

• We are seeking a commercially astute Category Manager with strong analytical abilities.
• Proven track record in category management and data-led recommendations.
• Experience building and presenting business cases to internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver category and product ranging projects using market data to drive recommendations.
• Develop and maintain core product ranges across multiple channels.
• Build relationships with customers and suppliers to understand needs and deliver advice.
• Coach and develop the Category & Insight Executive.

Skills

Category Management

Analytical skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Data storytelling

Stakeholder management

Presentation skills

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Permanent | Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits

About DCS Group

At DCS Group, we're proud to be one of the UK's leading distributors, manufacturers, and exporters of Health, Beauty, and Household products. With over 30 years of consecutive growth, we combine scale with an entrepreneurial mindset to deliver outstanding service and value.

Working with some of the world's most recognised brands, including P&G, General Mills, Crayola, Unilever, and Kimberly-Clark, we also manufacture and grow our own product range, Enliven. Our products are supplied across wholesale, discount, away from home, pharmacy, ecommerce, and convenience channels.

Based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, our 26-acre site is at the heart of our operations. We export internationally and continue to invest in the future. With divisions spanning Sales and Distribution, Export, Co-Packing and Manufacturing, and additional manufacturing operations in Redditch, this is an exciting time to join DCS and be part of our next phase of growth.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced Category Manager to join our Sales & Distribution team and play a key role in driving category growth for both DCS and our customers.

You'll use category, shopper and customer insight to identify opportunities, shape recommendations and influence commercial decision-making.

Working closely with customers and internal teams, you'll analyse category performance, optimise ranges and space, identify risks and opportunities, and turn complex data into clear, compelling commercial stories.

This is a great opportunity for someone with solid Category Management experience who is ready to take the next step in their career within a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver category and product ranging projects for customers and suppliers, using market data and insight to provide impartial, data-led recommendations. Develop and maintain core product ranges across multiple retail channels, building strong relationships with customers and suppliers to understand their needs and deliver tailored advice. Create engaging, story-led presentations and recommendations, communicate category strategies effectively, capture project feedback and success stories, and maintain expert category and channel knowledge. You will also support the development of the Category & Insight Executive through coaching and guidance.

About You

We're looking for someone who is commercially minded, analytical and confident influencing both customers and internal stakeholders.

You'll be comfortable working with data, but equally confident turning insight into clear recommendations that customers and commercial teams can act on.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone with strong analytical skills and the ability to learn new information quickly. You will be highly competent in Excel, with the ability to manipulate large volumes of data efficiently and identify key insights from complex datasets. You'll be able to build strong working relationships with customers and suppliers, present information clearly and concisely, and work effectively under pressure to manage multiple projects, stakeholders and deadlines simultaneously. Strong PowerPoint and presentation skills, alongside a collaborative, team-focused approach, are essential. Experience within an FMCG environment would be advantageous.

Why Join DCS Group?

We value our people and believe in creating a supportive, high-performing environment where everyone can thrive. Our Banbury site offers a great workplace experience with excellent facilities and a collaborative, team-led culture.

Core benefits include life cover, pension scheme, Health Cash Plan, Cycle to Work scheme, wellbeing initiatives, subsidised café with free breakfast, staff shop, social events, hybrid working and learning and development opportunities.

Join DCS Group and use your insight to help shape category growth for our customers and our business.