Category Planning Manager

Category Development - Category Planning Manager – Capability

What you become part of:

Reporting to the Category Strategy Senior Manager, the focus of this role is driving category strategy and performance through advanced reporting, tools, and process innovation, particularly within the ABP framework. The category planning manager will lead the development and implementation of category range review automation and supports the rollout and continuous improvement of key tools and technologies. The position also builds team capability through training and ensures consistency across category resources.

What to expect:

Your primary responsibilities will include:

• ABP process:

  • Lead the “always on” tracking of distribution and space by developing reporting tools and identifying opportunities across customers to shape the strategic direction with Senior Category managers.

• Category Range Review Automation:

  • Manage the relationship with DC Activ, continuing the journey of implementing Impact XP and further tool developments, including process, training and team support
  • Influence future tools functionalities and implement testing

• Lead the tools & technology capability training roadmap for the team and wider CD functions

• Support on maintaining a consistent Toolkit of strategic category resources:

  • Category Forecasts: Environment, Sector, IC/FC
  • Merchandising Principles

• Support on Category Strategic Projects e.g. Aisle of the Future

Skills and experience:

• Experience managing projects & driving change

• Strong organizational, networking and influencing skills

• Exposure to working in agile environment

• Quick to learn new systems & software

• Demonstrate passion, proactive ownership and resilience for growing the category

• Ability to influence and take people on the journey

• Behaviours: Drive for innovation, change, agile, curious mind set, resilience, determination, and drive are key

• Previous FMCG Category Management experience is desirable but not essential