Category Executive - FMCG

Kepak is a family-owned, future-facing food company with a rich heritage of more than 50 years of meat craft. From the establishment of a family owned butcher shop in Dublin in 1966, Kepak has grown significantly and today the group has a turnover of €1.6bn and employs more than 5,000 people across 12 manufacturing sites in Ireland and the UK.

 Kepak supplies prime cuts of meat to some of the biggest names in retail, wholesale and foodservice across Ireland, UK, Europe and internationally.

With over 50 years’ expertise in meat craft, we are still leading the way with bespoke innovations and highly successful, international food brands.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Category Executive to join the team based at Kepak Kirkham. Working as part of a busy team, the successful candidate will build close relationships with Category, Brand, and Customer Marketing as well as working closely with our Sales and Customer Development teams.

What is the job?

·       To tailor, support and implement the Kepak Group category vision and plans, working in partnership with our retail customers.

·       Act as an objective and independent category advisor, developing and delivering annual category strategy and plans to deliver significant category growth opportunities for Kepak and the customer.

·       To build and develop relationships with customers based on credibility and trust.

·       Build compelling category selling stories to shape customers’ thinking.

·       Interpret and utilise category data to grow sales, by interpreting the key trends and dynamics shaping the industry and the wider implications for the category and competitors.

·       Support on cross functional category projects (internally and externally) alongside multiple stakeholders.

·       To work with the (Senior) Category Manager and relevant NAM to support strategic objectives within the retailer.

·       Review the results of commercial initiatives to determine their effectiveness vs category/consumer/shopper objectives.

·       Manage relationships with strategic partners including (but not limited to) Nielsen, Kantar, Dunnhumby, Assosia and Shopper Research agencies, to deliver accurate and usable data on time, whilst also raising queries where required to maintain database quality.

·       Provide actionable category, brand & shopper insights along with recommendations, to internal and external stakeholders, that will deliver quantifiable results for both Kepak and our retail customers.

·       Manage a range of weekly/monthly reports utilising different data sources, turning data into insight to identify category opportunities, whilst communicating these as required both internally & externally.

• Strong analytical skills and proficient in the use of external market data tools, with the ability to quickly turn data into clear insights and recommendations.
• Goal-oriented individual with track record of delivering results and working to tight deadlines within a commercial environment.
• Educated to degree level, ideally in marketing or business-related degree.
• Experience of Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Previous experience is desirable in Insight or Category Management

• Competitive salary
• Annual bonus potential
• BUPA Cash plan free of charge
• Values awards program
• Employee assistance program
• Cycle to work scheme
• Corporate gym membership at Ribby Hall Village
• Salary sacrifice pension plans
• Life assurance
• Subsidised canteen and free hot drinks