Category Manager

Job Description:

We are looking for a skilled Category manager to join Food & Nutrition Regional Emerging markets category team!

Reporting to the Category Lead Regional Emerging Markets, this role is responsible for delivering category leadership for the Italian market and supporting Switzerland. Using a combination of category, shopper and consumer insight, the Category Manager is the expert of the category performance of our portfolio and with (defined priority) markets and customers. The Category Manager uses this expertise to deliver objective recommendations to the customer, and to the MARS customer team to help shape our strategy and approach with the customer. Key deliverables of the role are to improve the Perfect Store compliance & scores, land distribution and execution of our NPD in line with targets and to work on category vision with the customers, enabling Mars to lead category growth in the customer.

What are we looking for?

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, marketing, or equivalent.
• Customer experience with ability to engage, influence and impact customers by providing guidance on strategic direction of category.
• Category Leadership expertise in relevant Category Management practices.
• Broad and in depth understanding of FMCG context and retail landscape.
• High analytical acumen with ability to drive and translate insights into relevant strategies and tactics (actions / initiatives) internally and for execution with our customers.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in both English and Italian.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Category and insights business orientation

• Deliver best in class Category Management by taking an objective total category perspective when providing insights to the customer and internal teams.
• Delivery of an improved Perfect Store compliance through the creation of category-focused selling stories and proactive management of range.
• Execution of Mars NPD (L&S) launches in line with targets, through the creation of category focused selling stories, identifying listing opportunities/challenges and providing merchandising solutions to maximize on shelf delivery.
• Delivery of an in- depth category performance understanding to help inform internal customer team decision making and strategy
• Input into KPI setting and tracking against these, including Perfect Store, Core Range compliance and distribution

Strategy development and vision:

• Leads the localization and deployment of the category fundamentals: – Tailor the category vision content to local customer and use to develop a Category strategy aligned with the retailer. -Develop and deploy Perfect Store priorities for the markets incl. a clear vision of the shelf – Deploy vision to the shelf for the account, collaborating with Sales to set joint targets using the picture of success model.
• Work with objectivity both with our external customers and internal customers.
• Identify and push forward tailored range and execution opportunities for accounts.

Customer relationships:

• Ensure Category growth and objectivity are at heart of all interactions with Customers.
• Deliver a step change in customer partnership (at defined priorities).
• Delivery of customer relationships, meetings, and interaction vs the contact strategy.
• Develop good relationships with internal Mars Account teams and ensure internal alignment behind customer category strategy. Attend account team meetings and establishing yourself as an integral part of their team

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
• The opportunity to influence and shape the company’s success.
• Great office premises and a pleasant working environment. If you have a dog, it is also welcome at work—we love animals!

If you recognize yourself in this and are motivated by it, we would love to get to know you better!

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, 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.

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