Category Manager, EMEA

Munchkin, Inc.; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Pension contribution

Paid time off

Equity opportunities

Job summary

Munchkin, Inc. is seeking a dynamic Category Manager, EMEA to accelerate growth in the UK and across the EMEA region. Lead product range expansion and distributor engagement, turning data into strategic actions and delivering compelling category stories.

You will work with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, and distributors to optimize assortments, drive performance, and support NPD with rigorous analysis of market trends.

Qualifications

• Experience in category management and consumer goods is essential.
• Ability to turn category insights into actionable plans for customers and brands.
• Strong communication and storytelling to influence buyers and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Apply category management practices across multiple customers.
• Analyze category and brand performance; identify opportunities and risks.
• Present performance workshops to internal teams and buyers with clear storytelling.

Skills

Category management

Data analysis

Presentation skills

Storytelling with data

Multilingual communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Excel Power Query

Job description

Harrogate office
Central House Otley Road
Harrogate, HG HG31UF, GBR

Harrogate office
Central House Otley Road
Harrogate, HG HG31UF, GBR

WHY Brands Inc., a parent company of Munchkin , Inc., focuses on creating, incubating, and growing the next generation of consumer lifestyle brands. Founded in 1990, Munchkin is the leading consumer product company and most loved baby lifestyle brand behind the innovative gear and products for children, mothers, and caregivers. Munchkin has sold billions of dollars of products through our key retail partners: Target, Walmart, and Amazon and has global distribution in over 50 countries. With over 350+ patents under our belt and over 250 international product and brand design awards, we continue to create solutions that leave our customers asking, "how did I ever live without this?" Innovation is the core of our company DNA and has been driving our designs for over 30 years! Recognized as #8 on America’s Most Innovative Companies list by Fortune Magazine, innovation is the core of our company DNA and has been driving our designs for 30 years!

We lead with our core values and believe that investing in the community is our responsibility. We create opportunities for every child’s potential and well-being through the Radiant Colors program, work to create a sustainable future, and in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare have committed to animal conservation.

There is no better time than now to join WHY Brands as we embark on our next and biggest growth journey, and you could be the next influential leader to play a key role in driving enormous customer-centered value and rapid growth.

Who you are:

We’re looking for a dynamic and commercially savvy Category Manager, EMEA to play a pivotal role in accelerating Munchkin’s growth across the UK and wider EMEA markets. In this high-impact role, you’ll lead the expansion of our product range and distribution, bringing category strategies to life with both strategic insight and hands‑on execution.

A true category expert, you thrive on turning data into action—unlocking opportunities, shaping assortments, and driving performance. You’ll collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including Sales, Marketing, Product Development, as well as distributors and key customers, to deliver powerful, insight‑led storytelling that wins in the market.

WhatYou’llDo:

• Apply category management best practices across multiple customers
• Analysis of category & brand performance. You will identify opportunities and risks for Munchkin and make recommendations on how to achieve desired outcomes for Munchkin
• Strong presentation skills, and the ability to host & present performance workshops internally. You will also use presentation and influence skills with buyers to ensure the right decisions are made for categories and brands
• Maintain and update a reporting suite which incorporates multiple data sources. Strong excel skills are essential
• Management of data sources such as GFK, IRI, Nielsen, Kantar, dunnhumby, Jungle Scout. You will manage the day to day relationships with some of these providers
• Be the voice of our shoppers. This will involve running quantitative research, designing and interpreting questionnaires. Auditing the baby aisle to compile brand metrics and shopper influences
• Support the NPD process with analysis to enable faster & better financial & sales performance, whilst capitalising on emerging market and consumer trends
• Other duties may be assigned

Bring It!

• Bachelors or Master’sdegree or equivalent
• 3-5 years’ work experience, preferably incategory management &/or insights
• Expert in Excel, good working knowledge of PowerPoint
• Excellent presentation and communication skills; a storytelling approach to insight
• FMCG or consumer-facing industry experience
• Excel Power Query
• Business language skills beyond English
• This role will involve some travel to meet UK customers and EMEA distributors

Salary: £45,000–£50,000 annually, DOE.

As a Great Place to Work Certified™ company, Munchkin is committed to offering the best to our employees. Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer paid supplemental health coverage, generous employer-matched pension contribution, paid time off, among other key benefits.Munchkin’s total rewards are top of market and include competitive salary, discretionary bonus, and opportunities to earn equity. Importantly, Munchkin fosters the growth potential in everyone by supporting development plans.

We regularly hold social functions to foster a genuine camaraderie that enhances teamwork. At company-wide functions, we recognize the talent and dedication of our most valuable assets, our people!

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.