Category Manager

Shape the Future of One of the UK’s Most Loved FMCG Categories

The Client

This is an opportunity to join one of the food industry’s most recognisable and emotionally connected consumer brands. A genuine market leader.

A business where category, shopper insight and commercial thinking sit right at the heart of decision making. A business where people stay, develop and build long-term careers.

With continued investment behind innovation, insight and category growth, the company is now looking to strengthen its Category & Insights function through the appointment of a commercially sharp and strategically minded Category Manager.

The Opportunity

This role sits within a highly collaborative commercial structure and will play a central role in helping shape category strategy across a major UK grocery category.

You will work closely with Sales, Marketing, Insight, Supply Chain and NRM teams to turn shopper, consumer and retailer insight into commercially actionable plans that drive growth for both the business and its retail partners.

The role offers significant exposure internally and externally, with strong retailer interaction and the opportunity to genuinely influence strategy and direction.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Lead category thinking and support the ongoing development of category strategy and vision
• Translate shopper, consumer and customer insight into compelling commercial recommendations
• Build strong relationships with major grocery retailers and position the business as a trusted category partner
• Support range reviews, merchandising projects and innovation planning
• Deliver insight-led storytelling and presentations to both internal and external stakeholders
• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Supply and NRM teams to optimise category performance
• Help shape future growth opportunities through data analysis, market understanding and customer engagement
• Regularly visit stores and retailers to remain closely connected to shoppers and category dynamics

The Culture

This is a business that combines the backing and professionalism of a major international FMCG organisation with the warmth and long-term thinking of a family-owned company.

The culture is highly collaborative, supportive and people focused. Category and insight are genuinely valued internally and viewed as a strategic growth engine for the wider business.

Career progression is also a major strength. Many of the company’s senior commercial and marketing leaders have progressed internally over time.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Opportunity to work within a category-leading FMCG business
• Number 1 brand position within its market
• Highly visible and strategically important role
• Strong internal culture and long-term career development
• Hybrid working structure based around Yorkshire HQ
• Opportunity to influence both retailer strategy and wider business direction
• Excellent exposure across commercial, marketing and category functions

What They Are Looking For

• FMCG Category Management, Trade Marketing or Shopper Insight experience
• Experience working with UK grocery retailers
• Strong analytical capability with exposure to Circana, Nielsen, Kantar or similar data platforms
• Commercially aware with the ability to turn data into clear actions and recommendations
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Highly collaborative, team focused and naturally proactive in approach
• Passion for brands, shoppers and understanding consumer behaviour

This is an excellent opportunity for somebody looking to step into a highly respected category environment where insight, strategy and collaboration truly matter.