Head of Category Management

A little bit about Lindt

We are a premium chocolate manufacturer established in 1845 operating in over 86 countries around the World. Guided by our Global purpose to Enchant the World with Chocolate and UK vision of Creating Moments to Make Everyone Feel Special, we have around 700 team members in the UK across our Head Office, Retail, and Field Sales divisions. We are a Top 20 Great Place to Work and are proud of our incredible people, our unique values-led culture and our iconic market leading brands such as LINDOR & GOLD BUNNY.

We’re also proud of being one of the few bean-to-bar chocolate makers in the world, where we control every step of our chocolate production.

How you could help us to Enchant the World with Chocolate

To lead Lindt UK's Category Management function, providing strategic direction across both Customer Category Management and Category Strategy. Through the leadership of the Customer Category Controller and Category Strategy Controller, the role is responsible for developing and leading the Category Vision, building strong retailer partnerships and ensuring excellent execution across all customers and channels

Key Responsibilities  
Lead the Category Function

• Lead and develop the overall Category Management function
• Set the vision, priorities and direction for the Category team
• Build a high-performing culture focused on capability, collaboration and continuous improvement
• Ownership of data and Insights budget as well as relationship with key data providers (Kantar, Circana etc)

Develop and Lead the Category Vision

• Own, evolve and champion Lindt's Category Vision, ensuring it provides a clear roadmap for category growth
• Translate shopper, consumer and market insights into category strategies that create value for both Lindt and its customers
• Ensure the Category Vision is embedded across commercial planning, customer engagement and execution
• Lead the development of Perfect Store principles, merchandising vision and long-term category growth opportunities through the Category Strategy team

Drive Customer & Multi-Channel Execution

• Ensure category strategies are translated into clear plans and execution across Grocery, Convenience, Online, DTC and emerging channels
• Build senior relationships with retailer category and buying teams to strengthen Lindt's influence
• Oversee delivery of category reviews, range reviews, merchandising initiatives and category projects across multiple customers and channels
• Drive excellence in distribution, availability, visibility and display execution across the market

Deliver Business Growth

• Partner with Sales, Marketing, RGM and Customer Marketing to deliver integrated commercial plans
• Represent the category agenda within key business planning and decision-making forums
• Ensure category recommendations support the delivery of Lindt's sales, share and profitability objectives

What Success Looks Like

• Strong category influence with customers
• Effective leadership of both Customer Category and Category Strategy teams
• Category strategies successfully executed across multiple customers and channels
• Improved distribution, visibility and shopper conversion
• A highly capable and engaged category organisation
• Tangible contribution to Lindt growth and category performance

Experience & Skills

• Significant Category Management leadership experience within FMCG
• Strong customer-facing and influencing skill at all levels
• Experience leading and developing large multidisciplined teams
• Commercially minded, with strong strategic and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Where you’ll be based
This role is based in Richmond Upon Thames, London (Hybrid Working: in the office 60% and WFH 40%)

How you will be rewarded

Internal Level 3

For the Head of Category Management position, the salary range is £95,000 - £115,000 plus car allowance. In addition, you will receive a benefits package including; bonus, pension, life cover, chocolate allowance; chocolate give-aways, chocolate discount, birthday day off and so much more!

Being yourself every day

We want everyone at Lindt feel safe to be themselves, ensuring they are empowered, represented, celebrated and included in our workplace. You’ll notice this throughout the recruitment process; in our ‘dress for your day’ policy and through our proactive DE&I strategy.

Living our values everyday

At Lindt UK, our values guide us in everything we do. Being Passionately Lindt, Always Evolving, Building Real Relationships, Acting Responsibly and Making An Impact are an integral part of life here at Lindt.

What you can expect from us

In return for everything that you’ll bring, we can offer you an exciting role in a fast-growing organisation, where we’ll provide an environment where you will thrive, feel supported and fulfil your career aspirations, all while supporting your physical and mental wellbeing.