Category Manager

Role: Category Manager (FMCG) Salary: 55-60k Location: Old Trafford Benefits: Private healthcare & enhanced pension (5-10%). 25-33 days holiday (holiday purchase options). Hybrid working & flexible hours. Birthday off

We are working with a well-established consumer goods business to appoint a Category Manager to join its commercial function. This role will play a key part in shaping category direction, strengthening market performance, and supporting long-term brand growth across a competitive FMCG landscape.

Based out of modern Manchester offices with hybrid working in place, the Category Manager will take ownership of defined product categories, ensuring they are positioned to meet both shopper needs and commercial objectives. You will be responsible for turning insight into action - using data, market understanding and cross-functional collaboration to deliver measurable results.

Working closely with colleagues across sales, marketing, supply chain and finance, as well as with retail customers and external partners, you will influence how categories are ranged, priced, promoted and activated in-store and online. The role requires a balance of strategic thinking and operational delivery, with a strong focus on performance, profitability and executional excellence.

Key Accountabilities

• Shape and deliver category plans that support growth in sales, share and margin

• Evaluate market dynamics, competitor activity and consumer trends to inform decision-making

• Own category portfolios, including range architecture, product lifecycle decisions and innovation launches

• Set pricing frameworks and promotional approaches aligned to commercial goals

• Partner with marketing teams to ensure compelling activation across physical and digital channels

• Work alongside supply chain and operations to support availability and efficient stock management

• Develop effective working relationships with retail customers and key suppliers

• Monitor category performance, using data and insight to identify risks and opportunities

• Share recommendations and performance updates with senior stakeholders

Skills & Experience

• Experience in category management, brand management or a related commercial role within FMCG

• Strong numerical and analytical capability, with confidence working with sales data and market insight

• Solid understanding of retail environments and shopper behaviour

• Proven ability to build and execute category or commercial plans

• Advanced user of Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to present clearly and persuasively

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams

• Effective communicator, comfortable influencing across functions and levels

• Degree educated in a relevant discipline (e.g. business, marketing or similar)

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially driven category professional to take real ownership and make a visible impact within a fast-paced, consumer-focused organisation.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates