Category Planning Manager

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Coca-cola European Partners is looking for a Category Development - Category Planning Manager in Greater London. This role focuses on driving category strategy and performance through advanced reporting and innovative tools.

You will lead various category initiatives, including automated range reviews and training development for the team. The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills and experience in influencing change within dynamic environments.

Qualifications

• Experience managing projects & driving change.
• Strong organizational, networking, and influencing skills.
• Exposure to working in agile environments.
• Ability to learn new systems & software quickly.

Responsibilities

• Lead tracking of distribution and space through reporting tools.
• Manage relationships with DC Activ for tool development.
• Support on maintaining a consistent Toolkit of strategic category resources.
• Support Category Strategic Projects.

Skills

Project management

Strong organizational skills

Networking

Influencing skills

Agile environment experience

Quick learner

Proactive ownership

FMCG Category Management experience

Job description

Category Development - Category Planning Manager – Capability

Reporting to the Category Strategy Senior Manager, the focus of this role is driving category strategy and performance through advanced reporting, tools, and process innovation, particularly within the ABP framework. The category planning manager will lead the development and implementation of category range review automation and supports the rollout and continuous improvement of key tools and technologies. The position also builds team capability through training and ensures consistency across category resources.

What to expect

Your primary responsibilities will include:

• ABP process:
  • Lead the “always on” tracking of distribution and space by developing reporting tools and identifying opportunities across customers to shape the strategic direction with Senior Category managers.
• Category Range Review Automation:
  • Manage the relationship with DC Activ, continuing the journey of implementing Impact XP and further tool developments, including process, training and team support
  • Influence future tools functionalities and implement testing
• Lead the tools & technology capability training roadmap for the team and wider CD functions

• Support on maintaining a consistent Toolkit of strategic category resources:
  • Category Forecasts: Environment, Sector, IC/FC
  • Merchandising Principles
• Support on Category Strategic Projects e.g. Aisle of the Future

Skills and experience

• Experience managing projects & driving change
• Strong organizational, networking and influencing skills
• Exposure to working in agile environment
• Quick to learn new systems & software
• Demonstrate passion, proactive ownership and resilience for growing the category
• Ability to influence and take people on the journey
• Behaviours: Drive for innovation, change, agile, curious mind set, resilience, determination, and drive are key
• Previous FMCG Category Management experience is desirable but not essential