Category Manager

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Category Manager

  • Location:

    Surrey

  • Sector:

    Commercial, Sales & Marketing

  • Salary:

    £45000 - £60000

  • Contact:

    Abbie Storry

  • Contact email:

    abbie.storry@alexandersteele.com

  • Contact phone:

    0131 573 0836

  • Job ref:

    3085

  • Published:

    9 days ago

  • Expiry date:

    21 Sep 2025

Category Manager

Hybrid role (4 days in office, WFH Fridays)

Up to 60k

About our Client
A long-established UK food business specialising in sourcing and supplying a wide range of high-quality ambient ingredients to both retail and foodservice markets.

The Role
As Category Manager you will report directly to the Marketing Manager (with additional frequent contact with the Sales & Marketing Director). You will be responsible for providing detailed, account-specific category insights and quality market analysis in line with scheduled and ad-hoc requirements. You will be required to offer proactive recommendations on growing sales in response to market trends. You will also work closely support the sales team in preparing in-depth customer presentations.

Key responsibilities
  • Support sales and marketing teams by creating engaging, customer-focused presentations for both existing and prospective clients.
  • Provide category development recommendations to help customers optimise product ranges and drive growth.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations in agreed formats, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
  • Compile and present draft data within agreed timescales for internal review.
  • Develop and enhance the company’s research function, leveraging data to inform strategy and business growth.
  • Build in-depth knowledge of customers, brands, and market data to support commercial decisions.
  • Produce and maintain regular market and competitor analysis reports, highlighting key trends and opportunities.
  • Monitor industry and consumer trends, providing insights on growth potential and category performance.
  • Establish and maintain strong working relationships with customers, suppliers, and data providers.
  • Collaborate closely with internal teams across sales, marketing, procurement, technical, supply chain, and finance.
  • Support wider marketing activities by undertaking ad-hoc research projects as required.
Candidate Profile
  • Strong preference for candidates with a background in the food industry, though experience in other FMCG sectors will be considered.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint.
  • University-educated, ideally holding a 2:1 degree or higher in a relevant data, analytics, or numerical discipline.
  • Full driving licence.
  • Experience with market research platforms such as Circana, IRI, Nielsen, or Kantar is desirable.
  • Minimum of 1 year of directly relevant experience in data analytics.
  • Excellent attention to detail and strong time-management skills.
What we Offer
  • Up to 60k salary
  • Discretionary and EOT bonus
  • 25 days holiday
  • Matched Pension contributions up to 5%
  • Healthcare and life cover
  • Work from home on Fridays
  • Free breakfast provided