C&C Category Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client is looking for a C&C Category Manager to join their team.

POSITION INFO:

Our client is looking for a C&C Category Manager to join their team.

Responsibilities:

• To build and follow-up the Category strategy in all consumer channels (FMCG, DIY, Stationery, Digital/Websites).

• To define the Margin level and Retail Price positioning of the Category.

• To participate in the NPD roadmap in collaboration with R&D, other SU’s and regions/countries.

• Global product management, development and maintenance within the Category for the Consumer channels.

• Design and re-design packaging layouts for Consumer products.

• Global Innovation roll-out management.

• Aligning best POS practices with Global Consumer market.

• Support new Market development.

• To ensure the Margin level and Retail Price positioning of the Category is aligned with company expectations.

• Category / Channel strategy:

• Contribute to the 5 year strategic plan, in line with annual global roadmaps, in collaboration with regions/countries.

• Follow-up the annual roadmap with regions/countries.

• Measure KPI’s and track the progress in the regions.

• Visit the regions/countries to stay up to date with market development.

• Visit trade shows.

• Category management:

• Monitor GP/MVC targets and define corrective action plans when needed.

• Participate in pricing alignment within Global accounts, channels and markets.

• Analyse competition, our performance and our product offer, and make adaptations in order to ensure a winning category offer.

• Follow up with the regions on the category performance and collaborate on initiatives to support the agreed roadmap.

• Help the region in shelf planning and share global best POS execution practices.

• Ensure Brand and Packaging consistency within the Category.

• Product development:

• Manage the NPD process, be involved in the R&D process validation for the category/channel projects.

• Feed the NPD process with news, ideas and ensure a well filled pipeline.

• Build R&D or Purchasing programs in collaboration with other SU’s in order to optimize the cost and product offering with the Category.

• Together with Purchasing, R&D develop new concepts with external suppliers.

• Packaging / Layout design:

• Update the designs within the category, to ensure distinctiveness and competitive advantage.

• Approval of local packaging designs within the category, ensuring a global layout, branding and product name consistency.

• portfolio with new and innovative packaging formats; assess industry trends and identify relevant suppliers.

• Conduct consumer tests to ensure market acceptance.

• Trade support:

• Monitor RSP’s and define corrective action plans when needed.

• Analyse competition, our performance and our product offer, and make adaptations in order to ensure we win.

Key Skills:

• Ability to think on Strategic level.

• Good communicator.

• Team player.

• High degree of fluency in English.

• Demonstrated experience in scoping and conducting quantitative and qualitative market studies.

• Comfortable with figures and analysis, in particular for market data like GFK.

• Detail-oriented with an ability to creatively and clearly present market trends and research findings in written, graphical and verbal formats.

• Awareness of key trends, customers, competitors in DIY/Consumer and adjacent markets (Construction, Retail etc.).

• Self-starter able to flourish in a fast-paced and flexible environment.

• Good interpersonal skills and an ability to identify sources of market intelligence from both internal and external networks insights.

Qualifications:

• Minimum primary degree in Marketing, Business administration or a related field (advanced degree such as MBA, Masters preferred).