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Category Manager - Travel & Convenience Retail
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Company Overview
Our client is a leading food manufacturer operating as part of a global group with over €3 billion in annual turnover, spanning more than 30 countries with 14,000 employees and 44 manufacturing sites worldwide. They produce well-loved brands enjoyed across the UK and have built an award-winning culture focused on authenticity, collaboration, and sustainability. Their commitment to 'People & Planet' goals drives meaningful action on packaging reduction, environmental responsibility, and community wellbeing, creating a workplace where employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.
Position Overview
As Category Manager, you'll serve as the lead category advisor for Travel, Forecourts, and Convenience channels, building strategic partnerships and driving commercial growth through insight-led decision-making. This role sits at the heart of the business, translating complex market data into actionable strategies that shape category vision across the impulse sector. You'll work closely with retailers, internal teams, and industry partners to deliver category growth while supporting independent retailers and cross-functional projects that directly impact market performance.
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships across Travel, Forecourts, and Convenience channels
- Set and deliver category priorities for Travel and Forecourt sectors
- Create and regularly update comprehensive Convenience category guides
- Translate customer insights into actionable recommendations for internal teams
- Support Out of Home and Route to Market teams with data-driven insights
- Define and embed the Category Vision for the Impulse sector
- Design and deliver training programs on insight tools for internal teams
- Manage the relationship with Circana, ensuring data accuracy and optimal usage
- Analyse and interpret Lumina CTP data, sharing findings across the business
- Provide category support to independent retailers through tailored guidance
- Collaborate with cross-functional project teams on strategic initiatives
- Attend industry conferences and webinars to maintain market knowledge
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Requirements
- Degree level education
- Proven experience in Category Management within FMCG or retail sectors
- Strong data interpretation, manipulation, and analysis capabilities
- Hands-on experience with market data software, specifically Nielsen and Circana
- Solid understanding of Convenience and Travel or High Street retail environments
- Demonstrated commercial acumen with the ability to translate insights into business outcomes
- Advanced Excel skills with the ability to manage multiple data sources
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple customers and projects simultaneously
- Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex data clearly
- Experience influencing cross-functional teams and external stakeholders
- Strategic thinking with the ability to see the bigger commercial picture
- Proactive self-starter who takes initiative and drives projects forward
- Excellent relationship-building skills across all levels
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Benefits
- Hybrid working arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance
- Supportive wellbeing initiatives focused on physical and mental health
- Community physical activity programs
- Career development opportunities within a global organization
You'll join a friendly, welcoming team within an award-winning culture that values authenticity and collaboration. The environment actively supports your wellbeing while offering genuine opportunities to grow your career within an international network committed to making a positive impact on people and the planet.
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