Category Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Category Manager to join our team in Kirkham, Preston.

This is a 1 year Fixed Term Contract which offers flexible hybrid working.

As Category Manager you will support the development and execution of category strategies, leveraging consumer insights and market data to influence decisions internally and with retail partners. Working closely with the commercial, marketing, innovation and supply chain teams, you will help ensure Kepak’s brands are well-positioned to succeed in a competitive FMCG landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

• Category Insights & Strategy Support: Assist in the creation and implementation of category strategies to deliver sales and market share growth.
• Retailer Relationships: Build strong working relationships with retail partners, delivering insights-driven recommendations to improve category performance.
• Data & Insights Analysis: Analyse data from sources such as Nielsen, Kantar, IRI, and others to identify trends and opportunities for growth.
• Range & Merchandising: Provide support for retailer range reviews, space planning, and merchandising strategies.
• New Product Development (NPD): Use category insights to support innovation and ensure successful product launches.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to align category plans with overall business objectives.
• Performance Monitoring: Track and report on key category KPIs, sharing insights to help drive performance improvements.
• People Collaboration: Work alongside and learn from the Senior Category Manager, contributing to team development and success.

• 2-4 years in category management or a related role within FMCG, ideally in food & beverage.

• Familiarity with category data tools (e.g., Nielsen, Kantar, IRI, Dunnhumby) and experience analysing and interpreting data to drive decisions.
• Understanding of the UK and/or Ireland grocery retail landscape (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, etc.).

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and retail partners.
• Commercial Acumen: Good understanding of market dynamics, P&L, and shopper behaviour.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate insights into actionable strategies.

What can we offer you?

• Company Pension
• Car Allowance
• Further Education support
• Employee Discount Platform - All Kepak employees are entitled to access to the WrkIt platform, which offers significant discounts and cashback with hundreds of brands.
• Bike to Work Scheme - You can buy a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax!
• Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees
• GroceryAid Employee Assistance Program - help with a wide range of topics including mental health and wellbeing support, family and relationship advice, debt management, back to work support, and counselling for all Kepak colleagues and their families.
• Corporate gym membership at Ribby Hall Village
• Subsidised canteen
• BUPA Cash plan free of charge