Category Manager

Job Description
Royal Canin is a global leader in pet health nutrition, guided by science and a deep passion for pets. We collaborate with nutritionists, breeders, and veterinarians worldwide to develop innovative, tailored nutrition solutions that address the unique needs of cats and dogs.

Cats and dogs are always at the center of everything we do. As part of Mars Incorporated, we are empowered to champion what matters most to us: creating a Better World For Pets. Our commitment drives us to continually advance pet health and wellbeing, ensuring every pet can thrive.

About the role:
This role will be working for Mars Incorporated within our Royal Canin segment, where we advance pet health through tailored nutrition and scientific expertise. This contract position will help establish a new category leadership agenda & partnership approach.

Role Title:
Category Manager

Location:
Melbourne, Victoria

Hours:
Full-time, Hybrid working

Reporting to:
Category, Insights & SRM Lead

What You'll Do

• Drive the customer category strategies by creating insight-led solutions that influence shopper behaviour and grow sales for both Royal Canin and our retail partners.
• Lead Customer Category Plans, turning pet owner and category insights into clear growth opportunities aligned across internal teams and key customers.
• Build strong, influential customer relationships to position Royal Canin as the trusted category expert, deploying a customer-centric category growth agenda.
• Provide high-quality customer insight and analysis to support demand forecasting, distribution planning, shelf feasibility and growth assumptions within the S&OP process.
• Develop and elevate customer-specific category collaboration - delivering market analysis, actionable insights, point-of-purchase recommendations, and supporting test-and-learn initiatives.
• Champion category expertise internally and externally, shaping decisions on range, space, distribution and activation, while delivering clear monthly category reporting that drives action.

Your Experience And Passion

• FMCG or Pet Industry experience in category & or customer management is essential.
• Proactive, driven & curious candidate.
• Confident influencer and communicator who can build deep partnerships.
• Highly analytical with an ability to drive and translate insights into relevant strategies.
• Experience using Power BI, or Circana & Quantium/Synergy analytical skills
• Experience in forecast management
• Experience in senior stakeholder management and multi-department stakeholder management

Why You'll Love Working For Royal Canin

• Purpose: A segment truly passionate about the health of pets, people and the planet with opportunities to support our community partners, including the RSPCA and Seeing Eye Dogs Australia and Blind & Low Vision Guide Dogs in New Zealand.
• People: A culture that values your contributions, fosters leadership, and recognises the impact you make. Your work truly matters here.
• Development: Shape your career with personalised development and real opportunities to grow from day one.
• Enjoy a team and business environment that is invested in helping you manage and grow your energy for work and life.
• Complimentary Royal Canin pet food for your cat or dog. Dogs are also welcome in our offices.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

We know everyone's needs are different, and we're committed to making our application process accessible and supportive for all candidates. If you require any adjustments along the way, simply let us know in your application form. We'll work with you to understand what will help you feel comfortable and supported.