Category Planning Manager - 12 month Fixed Term Contract

As the Category Planning Manager you will be part of the Category Development and Shopper Marketing team, which forms part of the wider Sales function. You will report directly to the Demand Accelerator Controller working cross functionally with other departments to deliver the Coffee Category goals.

This role will ensure that our planning, execution and tracking / evaluation is done through a category / customer lens. You will be responsible for creating sub-category strategies which the customer category managers will tailor and execute in their customers.

This role is a key influencer involved in both the annual planning and monthly performance cycle ensuring performance insights are turned into actions to deliver our AOP target – collaboration / communication between sales and marketing is key.

The role requires the ability to turn data into insight to create a strong customer facing story, told in a simple and compelling way. This person will be a key influencer, regularly presenting to the JDE leadership team as well as liaising with the with Marketing Leadership team.

• Create, execute and keep up to date sub-category strategies for: Instant, Mixes / Specialities, Beans, Roast and Ground (including Beans) and Single Serve (Capsules and Pods), to be tailored by customer by the Cat Dev managers.
• Responsible for managing / updating all internal reports (with the support of the intern) – ensuring reports are fit for purpose, updated on time and reviewed for usage regularly
• In collaboration with Consumer Insights, launch a new ‘self serve’ model to ensure efficient and effective use of the data by the wider business (sales and marketing) minimising ad hoc requests and training all relevant associates
• Lead Perfect Store vision, reporting and action planning.
• Lead the monthly performance cycle Feature and Display tracking and performance updates – delivery insights and action plans when course correction is needed.
• Support marketing and the Demand Accelerator Controller with the innovation / NPD go to market process and tracking.
• Input into innovation business cases and sell ins through collaboration with marketing and category development managers.
• Ensure we are getting what we need, and value for money, from our data agencies: Nielsen & Kantar in collaboration with Consumer Insights and also the customer data we buy.

• Degree educated or equivalent, this role requires a minimum of 4 years-experience predominately gained in Category Development or Category Strategy roles within FMCG.
• Deep knowledge of UK retail shoppers and customers
• Experience of creating and delivering sub-category strategies
• Proven at working in x-functional teams, especially across sales and marketing
• Category Development literate, has a good level of understanding of the role of a Cat Dev manager and the needs of customers.

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