Category Manager

How have you used insight to influence commercial decision-making, and what measurable impact did it have on category or business performance?

Can you share an example of when you identified an untapped growth opportunity — what data sources led you there, and how did you turn insight into action?

When working with stakeholders who have conflicting priorities, how do you use data-driven storytelling to secure alignment and drive change?

MacGregor Black are partnering with a FMCG food and beverage business, looking for a Category Manager. This is a permanent role.

We’re seeking an ambitious Category Manager to join our team. Reporting to the Head of Category & Insight, this position will play a key role in driving category growth and commercial success.

The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping category strategies, generating meaningful insights, collaborating with commercial and marketing teams, and influencing category performance across both out-of-home and retail channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned with overall business objectives
• Identify market gaps and growth opportunities through analysis of consumer and category trends
• Convert multiple data sources—including Nielsen, shopper and loyalty data, and other syndicated sources—into actionable insights; commission bespoke research where required
• Act as a strategic partner to commercial and marketing teams, providing insight-led recommendations to support decision-making, category initiatives, and strategic reviews
• Build strong relationships with key retail and out-of-home customers, delivering range reviews, category insights, and recommendations to enhance joint business plans
• Support innovation, new product development, and portfolio strategy through robust insight
• Monitor and report on category performance, including pricing dynamics, competitor behaviour, and brand performance, with regular updates for internal stakeholders; track wider beverage industry trends
• Manage relationships with external data providers and insight partners

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in a category management or insight role within FMCG, retail, or beverage sectors
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into clear, actionable outcomes
• Practical experience with syndicated data sources (e.g., Nielsen, Kantar, loyalty and shopper data platforms)
• Proficiency in Excel, Power BI, and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders and drive change through insight
• Commercially astute and strategically minded
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work autonomously

Salary £45-50k plus benefits

For more information, contact Alice Redmond.