Senior Category Manager - Meat & Poultry

JR United Kingdom; Ashford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Senior Category Manager for Meat & Poultry in Ashford. This exciting role involves developing category strategies to enhance sales and margin growth while managing key supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will leverage data analytics and consumer insights to drive performance and support sustainability initiatives. Offering a hybrid work arrangement, this position encourages collaboration and flexibility, making it perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment. Join a forward-thinking team and unlock your potential in a role that promises career growth and rewarding challenges.

Benefits

Competitive salary & annual bonus

Company car or cash allowance

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Private healthcare

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Staff discounts

Recognition awards

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record in category management and margin growth.
• Strong experience in financial analysis and data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category plans to achieve margin targets.
• Manage in-year deliverables including range planning and promotions.

Skills

Category Management

Financial Analysis

Data Analytics

Sales Strategy

Consumer Insights

Education

Professional Qualification in Marketing

CIPS Certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Tableau

Job description

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Senior Category Manager - Meat & Poultry, Ashford

Client:

Brakes

Location:

Ashford, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 3

Posted: 08.05.2025

Expiry Date: 22.06.2025

Job Description

Job Description

Brakes is recruiting for a Senior Category Manager - Meat & Poultry to join the Merchandising team on a 9-12 month fixed term contract, reporting to the Category Merchandising Director.

The Senior Category Manager – Meat & Poultry will develop and implement a category plan supporting range development and achieving in-year margin targets, including range management, NPD, promotions, cross-selling, customer marketing, and pricing. The role involves delivering insightful performance analysis, managing category presence across all communications, and requires a candidate with broad commercial experience in retail, foodservice, or food manufacturing sectors.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement with 1-2 days in our Ashford, Kent office, ideally for candidates located in Southeast/London, with flexibility for meetings across the UK. A full, clean driving license is required.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Utilize customer, market, and supplier insights for category performance analysis and strategy development to meet sales and margin goals.
• Review and analyze monthly performance, adapting strategies and marketing plans accordingly.
• Manage all in-year deliverables, including range planning, NPD, and activation strategies.
• Project manage the Sysco 6 Stage Category Management programme.
• Run promotions and recommend pricing strategies to grow business.
• Support strategic priorities and partnerships with suppliers and subsidiaries.
• Develop and manage the category's marketing plan, including supplier activation.
• Support corporate sustainability initiatives, including accreditation and welfare transitions.
• Train sales teams on category insights and strategies.
• Ensure accuracy of category data and content across platforms.

About You

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in applying financial and commercial skills, with strong experience in category management, sales, and margin growth. Proficiency in data analytics, consumer insights, and financial analysis is essential. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint, and experience with Tableau are required. A professional qualification in Marketing, Category Management, Merchandising, or CIPS is desirable.

What You Will Receive

• Competitive salary & annual bonus
• Company car or £7,000 cash allowance
• Sysco pension scheme
• Life assurance and private healthcare
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with options to purchase more
• Staff discounts on food and products
• Additional discounts and cashback offers
• Recognition awards and incentives
• Career development opportunities within Sysco