Senior Category Development Manager

Birds Eye UK & IE; Naas; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Category Development Manager to drive growth in the Frozen Foods sector. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape category strategies and influence key stakeholders in the Irish market. As part of a dynamic team, you will lead initiatives to enhance shopper perceptions and optimize category performance. Join a company committed to innovation and sustainability, where your contributions will directly impact the future of frozen food in Ireland. If you are results-oriented and passionate about making a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Career progression opportunities

Collaborative culture

Recognition for contributions

Qualifications

• Experience in Category Management with key customers in FMCG.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead category plans for Frozen Foods in the Irish market.
• Collaborate with teams to enhance shopper understanding.

Skills

Category Management

Stakeholder Influence

Market Insights

Project Management

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field

Tools

Dunnhumby

Nielsen

Job description

Senior Category Development Manager

Naas, Co Kildare

Frozen Food has experienced significant growth over the past 5 years, with further potential for expansion. Nomad Foods maintains strong relationships within the Irish trade, offering the opportunity to develop a tailored Category Vision and lead with best-in-class category management.

About the role…

As a Senior Category Development Manager, you will be a key voice for the Irish market within Nomad Foods, advocating for customer needs and the Frozen category shoppers. Based in the Irish Commercial team and supported by the UK Category team, you will lead the category agenda for Ireland, both internally and externally. Your responsibilities include developing and executing category plans that promote sustainable growth for Frozen Foods, enhancing growth for Birds Eye and retailers, and transforming shopper and retailer perceptions of savoury frozen products. You will conduct category reviews, provide range recommendations, and support internal teams with insights on risks and opportunities.

1. Collaborate with the Category Channel Controller & Vision Lead to convert the Category Vision into relevant, actionable, and long-term growth drivers for the Irish market.
2. Lead the development of 1-3 year rolling category plans.
3. Formulate and implement strategies to optimize range, space, location, availability, and macro space, leveraging all category growth levers in account.
4. Participate actively in the UK & Ireland Category team, sharing Ireland's category plans with key retailers and promoting best practice sharing.
5. Work with external agencies and insights teams to deepen shopper understanding and apply this knowledge to category planning and in-store activities.
6. Enhance the commercial and marketing teams' understanding of shopper behavior and category development across key retailers.

About you…

We seek an experienced Category Manager familiar with working with key customers in the Irish FMCG market. Success in this role depends on your ability to influence multiple stakeholders and collaborate effectively with retailers and internal teams (Marketing, Sales, RGM, and the wider Category Development team). We value results-oriented individuals who embrace learning, bring positive energy, and combine initiative with teamwork and collaboration.

• Solid understanding of Category Management principles and practical experience in the category management process, including managing customer relationships.
• A strategic thinker capable of creating a clear vision for customers.
• Strong grasp of shopper and market insights techniques.
• Experience leading and managing complex projects through to implementation.
• Commercial experience within FMCG.
• Proficiency with data platforms (Dunnhumby/Nielsen), including interpreting data, generating reports, and translating insights into actionable strategies.

What we can offer you…

Join us on an exciting journey with a purpose-led career, empowering personal growth while meeting business objectives.

• An ambitious employer with recognized brands and growth opportunities.
• A collaborative culture where your contributions make a difference.
• Opportunities for career progression within the Nomad Foods Group.

Who are we…

This is a great time to join! Birds Eye, owned by Nomad Foods, is the UK's and Ireland’s leading frozen food brand, including brands like Goodfella's, Aunt Bessie's, and Green Cuisine. Since 1946, we have provided high-quality frozen foods, and our portfolio now includes meat-free options, pizzas, roast joints, and accompaniments. 2024 marks 100 years since Clarence Birdseye invented the modern freezing process, a milestone we celebrate with pride. We are committed to serving the nation with nutritious, convenient frozen foods that help reduce food waste.

At Nomad Foods, we value diversity and foster an inclusive culture that celebrates what we can achieve together.