Head of Strategy & Insights - Category - Deli

The Compleat Food Group; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chilled food company in the UK is seeking a Head of Strategy & Insight to drive category growth in Deli and Dips. The ideal candidate will leverage consumer insights and data analytics to influence strategic direction and decision-making. They will champion consumer-centric thinking and collaborate cross-functionally to elevate brand and commercial impact. This role includes financial and lifestyle benefits, health and wellbeing support, and fosters an inclusive culture.

Benefits

Company Bonus Scheme

33 days' annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Access to grocery and lifestyle support

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in Strategy or Commercial Brand Planning within FMCG.
• Ability to transform data into strategic recommendations.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research management.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic category thinking and consumer insight.
• Manage consumer research projects and track KPIs.
• Partner with teams to integrate insight into growth decisions.

Skills

Leadership in Strategy

Data synthesis

Brand positioning

Collaboration

Influencing decision-makers

Tools

IRI

Dunnhumby

Power BI

Job description

Shape the Strategy of an Innovative, fast growing Chilled Food Category, with focus on consumer insight and thought leadership. Are you a strategic leader who is passionate about unlocking growth through a deep understanding of consumer insight, shopper data and brand dynamics? Do you have the vision, analytical acumen, and influencing power to define "what's next" in a fast-paced chilled food market? At The Compleat Food Group, we're looking for a Head of Strategy & Insight to shape the strategic plan for our Deli and Dips categories - bringing clarity to complexity, elevating consumer thinking, and powering cross‑functional decisions that deliver real commercial and brand impact.

Responsibilities

• Be the go‑to leader for strategic thinking in category evolution, retailer engagement, and innovation alignment.
• Champion consumer, shopper and market insight as the foundation for growth – shaping the category strategy underpinned with consumer centric thinking.
• Own the "voice of the consumer" and turn data into action – distilling complex analytics into sharp strategic commercial recommendations.
• Lead total category KPI tracking, consumer behaviour analysis and macro trend monitoring to drive short‑ and long‑term planning.
• Influence at the highest level – partnering with the Commercial Director, Brand, Category Management, and Development teams to embed insight into every growth decision.
• Lead and manage consumer research projects, identify key behavioural shifts, and influence how we evolve our shopper profiles and brand experiences.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in Strategy, Actionable Insight or Commercial Brand Planning, ideally within FMCG.
• Expert ability to synthesise data from multiple sources into a compelling narrative – from EPOS, Kantar, Nielsen to bespoke research.
• Strategic mindset with hands‑on experience influencing brand positioning, retailer strategies, and innovation priorities.
• Skilled in using tools such as IRI, Dunnhumby, Power BI, or similar visualisation platforms.
• Deep experience in qualitative and quantitative research management.
• A collaborative, confident communicator – comfortable working cross‑functionally and navigating matrix structures.
• A proven track record of influencing decision‑makers at all levels, including executive and board level.
• Driving Licence with flexibility to travel to our sites across the UK, in particular our Redhill location in Surrey, weekly.

What you will be doing

Driving Strategic Category Growth in both Brand and Private Label.

Opportunity & Culture

At The Compleat Food Group, we're driven by the belief that food should not only taste good but do good – for people and the planet. With household brands like Wall's Pastry, Squeaky Bean, Unearthed, and Vadasz, and a growing presence in the Mediterranean Deli category, we're leading the chilled food space with innovation, responsibility, and consumer connection at our core. Ready to lead the Category and Insights conversation? Apply today and let's create food to feel good about – together. We foster an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace.

We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect. We ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal‑opportunity employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed. If you have any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process, please contact us.

Financial & Lifestyle Benefits

• Company Bonus Scheme recognising performance and contribution
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
• 33 days' annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
• Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
• Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in‑store
• Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
• EV charging points – available at selected sites

Health & Wellbeing

• Private Medical Insurance (work level dependent)
• 24/7 access to GroceryAid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
• Physical Wellbeing Hub – free on‑demand exercise classes, gym discounts
• Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
• Online wellbeing support – from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
• Financial wellbeing tools – including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid