Category Development Manager

About the Role

Our client is seeking a forward-thinking Category Development Manager to join their commercial team in Reading . This hybrid role is dedicated to driving growth and innovation within key categories in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector. You will be responsible for leveraging consumer insights, market data, and shopper behavior analysis to develop category strategies, optimize product assortments, and create compelling promotional plans. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and a passion for understanding the consumer journey, working from our Reading hub with remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement data-driven category strategies to drive sales and market share growth.
• Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive activity to identify category opportunities and threats.
• Optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies within assigned categories.
• Collaborate closely with sales, marketing, and brand teams to ensure cohesive category execution at retail.
• Present category insights and strategic recommendations to internal stakeholders and key retail partners.
• Work with insights teams to generate and interpret consumer and shopper data.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in category management, category development, or commercial roles, preferably in FMCG .
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, Excel).
• Excellent understanding of consumer insights, shopper behavior, and retail dynamics.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence decision-making.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Hybrid working model balancing office collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in category management.
• A collaborative and data-driven work environment in Reading , focused on category growth.