Retail Category Manager - Cpd

L'OREAL GROUP; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cosmetics company is seeking a Retail Category Manager in London. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of category management experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to cultivate partnerships with retail partners. Responsibilities include expanding the skincare category and leading range reviews to optimize product offerings. This role offers competitive benefits and a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Private medical and dental insurance

Enhanced pension

25 days annual leave increasing after 3 years

Access to trainings and monthly talks

Up to 4 weeks paid fertility leave

Employee assistance service

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in category management insight or customer facing roles.
• Strong analytical capabilities to synthesize data and identify trends.
• Excellent relationship building and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate partnerships with retail partners to expand the skincare category.
• Build credibility as an expert in shopper insights and category trends.
• Lead the range review process and recommend optimized product ranges.

Skills

Category Management experience

Analytical & Insight-Driven

Relationship Builder

Growth Mindset

Proactive & Results-Oriented

Passion for Category

Job description

Overview

Retail Category Manager

Are you passionate about category expansion and know how to draw meaningful conclusions? We are on the lookout for a Retail Category Manager to join L'Oreal UKI's skincare team. Be part of our dynamic team and make an impact in shaping the future of beauty in the skincare space.

About L'Oréal

L'Oréal is present in 150 markets on five continents. For more than a century, L'Oréal has devoted itself solely to 'Create beauty that moves the world'; it is now the industry world leader with €29 billion consolidated sales. Together, we solve complex challenges at scale, while making sure we stay committed to making the world a more inclusive and a better place for everyone & our planet. Experience the excitement of agility to shape the future of beauty; where diversity and purpose come together to create meaningful impact.

In the L'Oréal Consumers Products Division, our mission is to democratize the best of beauty, which means bringing beauty to all. And for us, beauty must be sustainable. The Consumer Product Divisions holds the world's #1 beauty brand with L'Oréal Paris, the #1 makeup brand with Maybelline New York, the #1 natural brand with Garnier, and NYX Professional Makeup. Beyond our four iconic global brands, we have a unique brand portfolio including others like Garnier and Essie.

Responsibilities

• Collaborative Category Development: Cultivate strong partnerships with brick & mortar retail partners, fostering trust and open communication. Understand their business objectives and craft tailored strategies to expand the skincare category, while strategically positioning CPD brands for maximum growth.
• Category Expertise & Insights: Build credibility as an expert in shopper insights and category trends, leveraging data to develop actionable recommendations and drive informed decision-making. Analyze market data, identify growth opportunities, and develop compelling presentations.
• Range Review Management: Lead the range review process, from internal alignment to external presentations. Analyze assortment performance, identify potential gaps and opportunities, and recommend optimized product ranges tailored to each retailer's specific needs and target customers. Track and share results.
• Project Management & Execution: Support the development and implementation of impactful category initiatives that enhance the shopper experience and drive sales.
• Shopper Advocacy: Become a champion for the shopper, continuously analysing their behaviour and motivations within the skincare category. Share insights across internal teams to influence marketing strategies, product development, and overall category planning.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilise sales and shopper data tools (Nielsen Answers, IRI) to analyse performance, track key metrics, and measure the impact of category initiatives. Identify trends, anticipate challenges, and adjust strategies to maximise results.

Qualifications

• Category Management experience: 3+ years of experience in category management insight or customer facing roles.
• Analytical & Insight-Driven: Strong analytical capabilities, synthesize data from multiple sources to identify trends and draw meaningful conclusions. Transform insights into compelling narratives that drive action.
• Commercial Acumen: Basic understanding of the retail landscape and the dynamics of the skincare market. Translate data into actionable insights and develop strategies that drive tangible results.
• Relationship Builder: Excellent at building and nurturing relationships. Confident communicator with strong presentation skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Growth Mindset: Curious to learn, develop, and grow within the role and organisation.
• Proactive & Results-Oriented: Proactive, fast-paced, highly organized, and detail-oriented.
• Passion for Category: Enthusiastic about staying ahead of industry trends, exploring new innovations, and delivering exceptional shopper experiences.

Team

You will nurture collaborative relationships with retail partners and the Senior Retail Category Manager.

What We Offer

We are committed to offering a fair, competitive, and equitable package to help you do what you love most, achieve your goals, and become the best version of yourself. Options include money-saving offers and exclusive discounts, health & wellbeing support, development opportunities, flexibility, and leave entitlements. Benefits include private medical and dental insurance, an enhanced pension, 25 days annual leave increasing after 3 years, an online staff shop with up to 60% off products, access to trainings and monthly talks, enhanced family leave provisions, up to 4 weeks paid fertility leave, app partnerships with Thrive for mental health and Peppy Menopause support, and an employee assistance service.

How We Recruit

We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where everyone is welcome and their contributions are valued. We hire, train, promote, or engage in employment practices that are inclusive of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, socioeconomic status, medical condition or disability, or any other protected status. We embrace difference and believe the beauty of L'Oréal lies in our diverse perspectives.