Category Manager Indies

Overview:
Work for a global FMCG company with some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands. Be part of an exciting business where employees are recognised and career growth is supported.

To continue our success, we currently have an exciting opportunity for a Category Manager for Independents Customers and Field Team. In this role you will Coordinate, align & deliver an annual plan, that unlocks mutual growth priorities with the Independents, including range, space & activation. In addition, you will be Developing & implementing a mutually beneficial, initiative based, annual business agenda for PepsiCo & the key Independents customers and Field Team
- addressing aligned, priority focus areas for category growth.

**Responsibilities**:
Key Responsibilities:

- Support the PepsiCo Category Strategy including:

- Working with the PepsiCo Insights Manager on Category Growth Drivers and Demand Spaces & the role in which PepsiCo's plays in delivering category growth within the Independents channel.
- Lead the tailoring of PepsiCo Category Strategy for Independents & the Field, to connect with Customer Strategies & building the case for change.
- Ownership of the engagement plan with key strategic partners of the Independents channel & Field Team and ensure embedment post initial engagement.
- Being the voice of the customer to ensure PepsiCo Strategies are set up to deliver against the needs of the Independents channel & Field Team
- Full ownership for planning, driving and implementing the Independents Category Review Campaign.
- Leading annual Insights / POP vision sessions with strategic partners
- Working with the insights and Shopper Marketing Manager to deliver PepsiCo annual activation and innovation workshops.
- Support and develop the Traditional Trade Category Executive in the execution the customer category reviews across Salty, Biscuits and Health Food Aisle.
- Day to day management of customer relationships (within category scope) with key stakeholders across Metcash and MSO group
- Ensuring our field team are set up for success to deliver commercial calendar plans, category growth, and internal financials for the independents channel
- Improving field capability through leading monthly inputs, annual kick off sessions and big bet launches.
- Support the Traditional Trade Category Executive in providing the field with easy to digest category insights and tools across areas such as Perfect store and PepsiCo innovation.
- Support the other Category Managers in mobilizing relevant insights and content for the Field Team.
- Working with the insights manager to utilise VR to build field capability and performance against key selling objectives.
- Supporting the commercial function in analyzing performance trends and providing insights to deliver against the PepsiCo Business Plan.
- Work with the Independents sales director on Joint Business Plans and leading the development and supporting the delivery of presentations
- Supporting the commercial function and attending where required customer meetings outside of range reviews.
- Supporting the Traditional Trade Category executive in pro actively understanding drivers of performance and identifying opportunities for growth with the independents channel.
- Supporting the Marketing team with insights and volume builds for a key brand within the Pepsico portfolio. Responsibilities include
- Attending brand WIPs + project meetings
- Building the category sell decks for all customers
- Aligning and building volume and ranging assumptions

Qualifications:
About you:

- Minimum 5-7 years FMCG experience
- Tertiary qualification in marketing / commerce economics / business: or equivalent
- Strong background of category management with experience for owning and running end to end range review campaigns.
- Full capability in using analytical platforms of Circana/Nielsen
- Range & Merchandising tools
- e.g. Space Planning software and Efficient Assortment / Analytics
- Customer facing experience in a category or commercial role.
- Experience in strategy development as well as execution
- Proven ability to develop good working relationships cross functionally both internally and externally

Desirable Experience / Job Knowledge
- Commercial account management experience including total P&L responsibility
- Field/Front-line experience
- Experience in other FMCG categories / businesses that have a solid, structured Category Management process.
- Some experience in leading, coaching and managing people.
- International FMCG experience in UK, Europe or USA

For you:

- We offer a competitive benefits package
- Access generous leave options (e.g. wellness, birthday, volunteer, purchase additional leave/cash out leave)
- We understand that bringing the best version of yourself to work means looking after yourself holistically. Our Health & Wellness programs support you with all dimensions of wellness
- Access learning programs for your professional development, as