Senior Category Manager (Mat Cover)

The Advocate Group; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading name in the drinks industry seeks a Senior Category Manager to lead relationships with top UK grocery accounts. This role focuses on leveraging data-driven insights to drive growth and commercial outcomes. Ideal candidates will have FMCG experience, strong analytical skills, and an ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• FMCG experience with Top 4 UK Grocery accounts.
• Confident using loyalty data and insight platforms.
• Experience in European markets (Netherlands or Belgium) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the Category relationship with key retail accounts.
• Identify growth opportunities and collaborate with Sales & Marketing.
• Manage relationships with retailer data agencies and analyze using Kantar and Nielsen.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Job description

The Advocate Group is proud to be partnering with a leading name in the drinks industry in their search for a Senior Category Manager to join their commercial team on a maternity cover contract.

The Business:

• A globally respected, premium drinks company with an impressive brand portfolio.
• Strong partnerships across the UK and European retail landscape.
• Driven by insight-led, customer-first strategies that fuel long-term commercial growth.

The Role:

• Own and lead the Category relationship with Sainsbury s, Morrisons, and Ahold Group (Benelux).
• Act as the voice of the customer and shopper internally, challenging and influencing to drive stronger commercial outcomes.
• Identify growth opportunities and gaps across accounts, and collaborate with Sales & Marketing to act on them.
• Support the creation of annual customer business plans and track NPD performance.
• Manage relationships with retailer data agencies (e.g. Nectar360), and lead analysis using Kantar, Nielsen, and loyalty data.
• Contribute to the evolution of the Category Vision, working closely with the wider Insight & Category team.

About You:

• FMCG experience, with direct and independent work with Top 4 UK Grocery accounts.
• Confident using loyalty data (e.g. Nectar360) and insight platforms such as Kantar, Nielsen, and IRI.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn data into compelling, visual narratives.
• Excellent communicator and confident presenter across internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in European markets, particularly the Netherlands or Belgium, is a plus.

Benefits:

• Work with one of the most recognised names in premium beverages.
• Strong exposure to senior commercial stakeholders and high-profile retail accounts.
• A collaborative, insight-led business with a forward-thinking culture.
• Office-based role with flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment.

If this sounds like your next challenge, I d love to hear from you!

Please get in touch with Erin Lewis or click Apply Now to be considered for this vacancy.

Call: (phone number removed)

Email: (url removed)

The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner to the FMCG and consumer product sectors.

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