Category Manager (FMCG), Northern Beaches, Base+car+bonus+super

Summary about this job

Detail information about job Category Manager (FMCG), Northern Beaches, Base+car+bonus+super. Terms and conditions vacancy

My client is a leading multi-national FMCG company with a reputation for innovation and excellence and is primed for a very successful 2018. Internal promotion means that they are looking to hire a Category Manager to join their team.

This is a fully fledged Category Manager role, working with key clients/major retailers - driving strategy & delivering insights but also influencing areas like promotions/pricing, product development (new and existing), channel planning, shopper marketing et al. Working as 2ic to the Head of Category this will be a high profile role where you will be given the support and scope to make a real impact.

I am looking for candidates with a minimum of 12 months commercial experience in a FMCG Category Management role. I am interested in ambitious and talented Assistant Category Managers who are looking for a role where strong performance will get recognition from management and peers, rewards in terms of bonuses/ & pay rises and also the platform and support to take your career to the next level and the opportunity to progress into Senior Category Management and Leadership roles in the future.

I am looking for well-rounded FMCG Category professionals who have experience with NPD launches, EPD re-launches etc. and is has a good grasp of the grocery landscape in Australia/NZ. I am looking for candidates who have high levels of drive & motivation and have a strong level of commercial and organisational awareness and who have some solid baseline knowledge around the retail industry and drivers/things that impact upon customer behaviour in this space and can help guide category strategy to improve commercial performance. A proven track record in Category Analysis, a good grasp of trade promotional initiatives and the ability to derive meaningful insights around customers and category is required for this role.

Candidates must be self-starters and be able to work on their own initiative. This is not a role where you will be micro-managed, you will be aware of what you need to deliver, what you are expected to achieve and what you need to do in order to do that. The management of your time and schedule and how you tackle it will be down to you though. With the support of your manager it is expected though that you will identify any skills-gaps (e.g. use of Nielsen, Aztec, Quantium etc software tools) and take ownership for bridging any skills gaps, undertaking training etc, driving this self-development yourself. This company has a high ownership culture and you are expected to own the outcomes and results for your position. Support is there  from management and HR, and there is a strong collaborative culture with ideas and best practice being shared on a global level but you will need to ask for it.

The ability to build key relationships internally and externally is critical with buyers, account managers, senior leaders etc. so first class communication and presentation skills are essential. You will also liaise with 3rd parties (data agencies etc.) as well as working with marketing and account teams to pull together promotional programmes/develop business cases, so strong organisational and delivery skills are important.
From an academics background there are no firm guidelines although degrees like Economics or International Business etc. tend to lend themselves quite well to picking up and succeeding in this space. 

My client is looking to grow their business so I need candidates with the drive and hunger to succeed and grow in their careers for this role - the successful applicant will have the scope to help influence the scope of this role as well as be rewarded with growth and promotion etc. if you excel. This is a truly exciting role for any Category Manager looking for that next blue-chip challenge.

My client is building a strong and collaborative culture and as a business listens to it's people and works to provide people with the platform to succeed. Based on Sydney's Northern Beaches they offer flexibility re work/life balance, a plethora of social activities and a culture of delivery and outcomes not presenteeism. With training and career development taken seriously and the chance to report into a Category Head who is knowledgeable and supportive this is a great opportunity and will provide the platform to really kick-start your career in the category space.
Minimum 5 years relevant commercial experience.
Interested candidates should apply ASAP with an up to date CV (Word Format) or call Declan on 0452 411968 for a confidential discussion.