OTC Category Development Lead

Haleon plc.; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A consumer health company is looking for an OTC Category Development Lead to spearhead and implement the category strategy within the SSL team. This hybrid role in the UK involves leading market growth by collaborating with global and local teams, utilizing Shopper Science Lab tools to drive insights and influence commercial outcomes. Ideal candidates should possess strong stakeholder management and presentation skills, along with a BS/BA degree and experience in category management.

Qualifications

• Experienced in category management/shopper, ideally across multi-markets.
• Track record of driving strategy and impact.
• Experience in FMCG preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead EMEAL Regional Perfect Store programme.
• Collaborate with Global OTC Marketing team.
• Engage with local markets to drive category growth.
• Utilize Shopper Science Lab tools for category tactics.
• Monitor and measure market changes impact.

Skills

Category management

Stakeholder management

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Influencing skills

Education

BS/BA degree

Job description

Welcome to Haleon. We're a purpose‑driven, world‑class consumer company putting everyday health in the hands of millions. In just three years since our launch, we've grown, evolved and are now entering an exciting new chapter – one filled with bold ambitions and enormous opportunity. Our trusted portfolio of brands – including Sensodyne®, Panadol®, Advil®, Voltaren®, Theraflu®, Otrivin® and Centrum® – lead resilient and growing categories. What sets us apart is our unique blend of deep human understanding and trusted science. Now it's time to fully realise the full potential of our business and our people. We do this through our Win as One strategy. It puts our purpose – to deliver better everyday health with humanity – at the heart of everything we do. It unites us, inspires us, and challenges us to be better every day, driven by our agile, performance‑focused culture.

We are currently recruiting for an OTC Category Development Lead for our SSL team based in the UK. This is a 12‑month temporary assignment. The Category Development Lead Oral Care supports top local markets in EMEA/LATAM to develop the customer‑facing category strategy and category tactics to deliver category growth with our customers. You will work closely with Global Customer and Channel Director & Local markets, adapting and localising materials to capitalize on the local category growth drivers. You will also use Shopper Science Lab (SSL) tools & technologies as a key enabler of your work and embed this way of working in local markets as business as usual. This is a hybrid role; Haleon HQ is based in London, Bankside, however this role is primarily based in West London where the Shopper Science Lab is currently located. Please note the Shopper Science Lab will be moving to London to be located closer to Haleon HQ with a target move date of June 2026. There will also be occasional travel to local markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead EMEAL Regional Perfect Store programme, driving Haleon OTC Brand strategy for relevant channels (largely Pharmacy).
• Collaborate with the Global OTC Marketing team on driving relevant shopper, channel & retailer focused selling stories.
• Collaborate with Global Teams on bringing innovation into store for best‑in‑class execution toolkits and pack design.
• Embed shopper & consumer insights into the category trade stories & identify gaps, where the Shopper Science Lab can support.
• Utilise the tools & technology in Shopper Science Lab to support the creation of category tactics – e.g. developing optimum layout & flow for the category, conducting portfolio analysis to identify the tail.
• Engage with local markets to understand category issues & opportunities to drive category growth.
• Work with local markets to drive localisation and execution of the global category strategy.
• Build category capability across the region leveraging the BU teams to embed in local markets.
• Lead retailer collaboration sessions with priority customers across the region leveraging the Shopper Science Lab capabilities to drive insight into shopper and consumer preferences that can transform commercial outcomes.
• Monitor & measure the impact of the changes in market & create best practice library to share learnings across the region.
• Demonstrate the capability of the Shopper Science Lab to internal & external stakeholders to drive insight into shopper and consumer behaviour and transform commercial outcomes. Haleon is committed to mobilising our purpose in a way that represents the diverse consumers and communities who rely on our brands every day, creating an inclusive culture where different backgrounds and views are valued and respected.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree, experienced in category management/shopper, ideally multi‑markets, track record of driving strategy & impact.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Highly developed presentation skills, interpersonal skills & ability to influence across a matrix organisation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in FMCG, global & local market.
• OTC experience.
• Expertise in merchandising, assortment/planning with retailers.

Application Information

During the application process, we may ask you to share some personal information, which is entirely voluntary. This information ensures we meet certain regulatory and reporting obligations and supports the development, refinement and execution of our inclusion and belonging programmes that are open to all Haleon employees. The personal information you provide will be kept confidential, used only for legitimate business purposes, and will never be used in making any employment decisions, including hiring decisions.

Adjustment or Accommodations Request

If you require a reasonable adjustment or accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at Haleon at any stage of the application process, please let your recruiter know by providing them with a description of the specific adjustments you are requesting. We’ll provide all reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process and treat all information you provide us in confidence.

Contact Information

Note to candidates: The Haleon recruitment team will contact you using a Haleon email account ( @haleon.com ). If you are not sure whether the email you received is from Haleon, please get in touch.