Seasonal Confectionery Category Lead | Hybrid

The Co-operative Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

28 days holiday

Pension up to 10%

Onsite gym

Discount on Co-op products

Other brand discounts

Stream pay access

Virtual healthcare

24/7 colleague support

Training and development

Cycle-to-work

Job summary

The Co-operative Group in Manchester is seeking a Category Manager for Seasonal Confectionery. This hybrid role combines home working with in-office collaboration to shape product ranges, pricing, and promotions that resonate with customers.

You'll build strong relationships with internal teams and suppliers, translate customer insight into trading plans, and support category strategy under senior guidance. A comprehensive benefits package accompanies the role.

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial, category management, buying, or merchandising environment.
• Turn customer insight, sales data, and market trends into clear, commercially sound decisions.
• Strong commercial awareness, with an understanding of pricing, cost, and volume levers.
• Experience using data and reporting tools, alongside strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Confidence influencing colleagues and partners at all levels with clear, well-reasoned recommendations.
• A good understanding of GSCOP and how to apply it day to day.
• A genuine interest in retail, customer behaviour, and market trends.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and channel partners to drive category performance.
• Stay close to the market, spotting emerging trends, understanding customer needs, and identifying opportunities to evolve our range.
• Use data and insight to shape clear commercial recommendations across range, pricing, and promotions.
• Support the development of category strategy and translate it into practical, customer-led trading plans.
• Work with the Senior Category Manager to review performance, highlight risks and opportunities, and shape future plans.
• Support the development and launch of products and promotions that resonate with our customers.
• Brief colleagues on cost, margin, and promotional plans.
• Support forecasting and budgeting, keeping a close eye on key performance drivers.

Skills

Category management

Merchandising

Pricing strategy

Customer insight

Data interpretation

Influencing stakeholders

GSCOP knowledge

Retail trends

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Co-operative Group in Manchester is seeking a Category Manager for Seasonal Confectionery. This hybrid role combines home working with in-office collaboration to shape product ranges, pricing, and promotions that resonate with customers.

You'll build strong relationships with internal teams and suppliers, translate customer insight into trading plans, and support category strategy under senior guidance. A comprehensive benefits package accompanies the role.