Head of Category

Seven Search and Selection Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic food company seeks a Head of Category to lead a team of 15 and influence grocery retailer strategies. The role promises high exposure and impactful responsibilities in a collaborative environment. Applicants should possess strategic expertise and demonstrable leadership skills.

Benefits

Car allowance of £8k

Performance-based bonus of 20%

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of category development and market analytics required.
• Experience managing high-performing teams in FMCG environments.
• Ability to engage and persuade senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Build and nurture relationships with key retailers.
• Deliver thought leadership to position as market leader.
• Drive innovation in category insight and execution.

Skills

Strategic Category Expertise

Inspirational Leadership

Influential Communicator

Commercial Acumen

Future-Focused Mindset

Job description

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Seven Search and Selection Ltd provided pay range

This range is provided by Seven Search and Selection Ltd. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Head of Category

Hybrid – 2-3 days Home Counties

Up to £105k plus package

Our client:

• Our client is a dynamic and growth-focused food company, recognised as a top supplier of leading brands and private-label products in the UK
• With a strong reputation for category-leading innovation across their brands and committed to delivering exceptional private-label products
• This is an organisation that thrives on energy and pace, with ambitious growth plans driven by a strong commitment to delivering outstanding category leadership

The Role – Head of Category

• As Head of Category, you’ll lead, inspire and unify a dynamic team of 15 across Category Development and Category Insights functions.
• This role offers high exposure, including board-level interactions, and the opportunity to influence retailer strategies and drive thought leadership in the category.
• You’ll be a key player in evolving the teams capabilities, ensuring they remain future-focused and proactive in driving commercial success!

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactively build and nurture senior-level relationships with key retailers to influence category growth.
• Deliver thought leadership both internally and with trade partners to position them as a market leader.
• Push boundaries to drive innovation in category insight, strategy and execution.
• Lead, inspire, and coach a team of 8 direct reports, with wider team of 15, fostering collaboration and a future-focused mindset.
• Engage with the board and senior stakeholders, providing actionable insights that drive business decisions.

Ideal Candidate:

• Strategic Category Expertise – Deep understanding of category development, market analytics, and FMCG business strategies.
• Well Connected - experienced across Grocery, Convenience & Discounters and track record of senior level engagement.
• Inspirational Leadership – Experience managing and developing high-performing teams in a commercial FMCG environment.
• Influential Communicator – Ability to engage and persuade senior stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Commercial Acumen – Strong analytical skills and financial understanding to link category performance with commercial success.
• Future-Focused Mindset – Passion for evolving insights into strategic action, shaping the future of the category.

Summary:

• A high-profile leadership role in a fast-growing FMCG business.
• Up to £105K base salary, performance-based bonus (20% bonus); £8k car allowance and benefits package
• A dynamic, collaborative, and results-driven company culture.
• Opportunity to drive real impact and shape the future in a high-growth, category-leading environment.
• Hybrid working with flexibility; expectations 2-3 days in Home Counties office

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and drive the future of category insights, we want to hear from you! Apply now and take the next step in your careerquoting reference 8/17245/7. Confidentiality assured.

Whilst we would like to respond to all our on-line applicants, regrettably we are unable to do so due to the high volumes we receive. If you do not hear back within 14 days unfortunately the relevant consultant has decided not to progress with your application. For alternative opportunities please search our vacancies on this site.

Seven Search & Selection Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary (interim) workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C’s, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found right at the bottom of this page.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Marketing and Analyst

• Industries

  Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Food and Beverage Retail, and Wholesale Food and Beverage

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