Head of Category

JR United Kingdom; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company in the UK is seeking a Head of Category to lead a dynamic team focused on category development and insights. The role offers board-level exposure and the chance to drive significant commercial success within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Benefits

Car allowance of £8k

Performance-based bonus of 20%

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of FMCG business strategies and category development.
• Experience managing high-performing teams in commercial environments.
• Ability to engage and persuade senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with retailers to influence category growth.
• Lead a team of 15 in category development and insights.
• Provide actionable insights to engage with board and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic Category Expertise

Influential Communicator

Commercial Acumen

Job description

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• 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.

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