Customer Category Controller- 12 month FTC - Leeds

TG Arla; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy company in Leeds is seeking a Commercial Category Leader to drive growth by developing strategies and fostering relationships with customers. You will lead a team and utilize insights to enhance category leadership, contributing to the company's success. The ideal candidate has FMCG experience and strong strategic thinking abilities, with a focus on commercial impact and team empowerment. This role offers hybrid work, competitive salary, and a range of benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days holiday & Bank Holidays

Pension contribution matched up to 6%

Bonus scheme

Healthcare

Onsite Gym

Flexible Benefits

Qualifications

• Proven category experience within an FMCG environment.
• Strong background in developing customer category strategies with clear commercial impact.
• Ability to translate data & insights into long term, actionable plans.

Responsibilities

• Shape, plan, and execute long-term category strategies.
• Identify growth opportunities using market and shopper insights.
• Lead a diverse team of 4, including direct line management.

Skills

Category management

Customer strategy development

Team leadership

Data analysis

Job description

Overview

Arla Head Office, Leeds
LS10 1AB
Hybrid working pattern

Are you a commercial category leader with a passion for building strong customer relationships to unlock category growth?

Do you inspire and energise teams to deliver results that make a meaningful impact across the organisation?

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary (salary discussed at application stage)
• 26 days holiday & Bank Holidays
• Hybrid & Flexible working
• Pension contribution matched up to 6%
• A company car to support with travel
• 4 x annual salary life assurance
• BUPA healthcare
• Bonus scheme
• Free to use onsite Gym
• Access to discounted products in our Staff Shop
• People agenda commitment to training and development
• Flexible Benefits- buy up to 5 days additional annual leave, reward gateway scheme- discounts with various retailers via my benefit platform
• Most importantly - Cheese hamper at Christmas!

How will you make an impact?

Reporting to the Customer Development Director, you’ll be responsible for shaping, planning, and executing long-term category strategies and category growth driving tactics with your retailers. Your focus will be on securing sustained customer engagement and delivering mutual growth, by building strong internal and external relationships with senior stakeholders, identifying opportunities for your team to drive and execute, unlocking strategic opportunities with customers, and laying the foundations for the success of your team.

Key responsibilities

• Using market, shopper, and customer insights to identify growth opportunities and drive outstanding category leadership initiatives, delivering through the team.
• Collaborating across the category function and wider sales & marketing teams to enhance customer execution and Customer Development team ways of working.
• Leading a diverse team of 4, including direct line management of 3 Customer Category Managers.
• Translating Arla’s strategic growth plans into brilliant execution that drives results, influences shopper behaviour, and strengthens our dairy credentials.
• Building strong customer relationships and fostering collaboration.
• Applying a strong understanding of shopper behaviour & retailer needs, leveraging industry connections to stay ahead of evolving trends.

What will make you successful?

• Proven category experience within an FMCG environment.
• Strong background in developing customer category strategies with clear commercial impact.
• Ability to translate data & insights into long term, actionable plans.
• Commercial driven with a focus on delivering growth for Arla and its customers.
• Skilled in leading and coaching high-performing teams, with a passion for development & collaboration.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution.

Would you like to join us?

Please apply directly or contact Olivia Pine, Talent Acquisition Partner at Arla Foods, for more information. The closing date for this position is 24th October 2025 and only CVs sent directly via the link will be considered.

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We're passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join us at Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future.

We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry.

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