Head of Category (FMCG)

TL;DR

Head of Category (FMCG): Leading the Category Planning team to drive strategy, pricing, and product ranging with an accent on sales growth and margin performance. Focus on utilizing customer insights and market trends to make commercial decisions and managing cross-functional relationships.

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne (minimum 3 days on site)

Company

A leading FMCG business specializing in high-volume consumer goods.

What you will do

• Develop and deliver category strategies aligned with overall business objectives.
• Lead pricing and promotional activity to maximize sales and profitability.
• Utilize customer insights, market trends, and competitor analysis to drive commercial decisions.
• Manage trading margin performance in collaboration with Finance, Supply Chain, and Procurement.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing category team.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships across Retail, Commercial, and Supply functions.

Requirements

• Proven experience in Category Management, Buying, or Commercial leadership within an FMCG, wholesale, or food retail environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering sales and margin targets.
• Experience managing pricing, promotions, and cost inflation challenges.
• Demonstrable leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly analytical mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Location: Must be based in or able to commute to Newcastle upon Tyne for at least 3 days per week.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to lead and mentor a well-established, high-performing team.
• Direct reporting line to the Commercial Director, providing high visibility within the organization.
• Dynamic work environment within a leading FMCG company.