Head Of Category

Jackson Hogg Ltd; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackson Hogg Ltd. is seeking an Interim Head of Category in Newcastle upon Tyne to lead the Category Planning team for a 9-month maternity cover.

You will drive category strategy, pricing, promotions and product ranging to deliver sales growth, margin performance and an exceptional customer offer. Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will lead a high-performing team, collaborate with Finance, Supply Chain and Procurement, and build strong relationships across Retail and Commercial functions

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Category Management within FMCG, wholesale or food retail.
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to hit sales and margin targets.
• Experience managing pricing, promotions and cost inflation challenges.
• Demonstrable leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly analytical, commercially driven, and capable in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Lead pricing and promotional activity to maximise sales and profitability.
• Utilise customer insights, market trends and competitor analysis to drive decisions.
• Manage trading margin performance with Finance, Supply Chain and Procurement.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing category team.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships across Retail, Commercial and Supply.

Skills

Category management

Buying

Commercial leadership

Leadership

Analytical

Job description

Head of Category

Interim - 9 Month Maternity Cover
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne (minimum 3 days on site)
Salary: Dependant on Experience

Jackson Hogg is delighted to be supporting a leading FMCG business in the search for an Interim Head of Category on a 9-month maternity cover contract.

Reporting to the Commercial Director, you'll lead the Category Planning team, driving category strategy, pricing, promotions and product ranging to deliver sales growth, margin performance and an exceptional customer offer.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Lead pricing and promotional activity to maximise sales and profitability.
• Utilise customer insights, market trends and competitor analysis to drive commercial decisions.
• Manage trading margin performance in collaboration with Finance, Supply Chain and Procurement.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing and already well established category team.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships across Retail, Commercial and Supply functions.

About You

• Proven experience in Category Management, Buying or Commercial leadership within a FMCG, wholesale or food retail environment
• Strong commercial acumen with experience delivering sales and margin targets.
• Experience managing pricing, promotions and cost inflation challenges.
• Demonstrable leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly analytical, commercially driven and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.