Category Manager

  • Lucy Walker Recruitment
  • Harrogate, Yorkshire
  • Feb 05, 2026
Seasonal Retail

Job Description

A leading international consumer products business is seeking a Category Manager to drive category growth across the UK and EMEA region on a temporary basis for 12 months.

Reporting to a senior regional category leader, this role focuses on applying category management best practices, shopper insights, and data-led storytelling to expand range, improve distribution, and support new product launches across multiple markets.



Key Responsibilities

  • Act as a trusted category advisor to UK, French, and EMEA customers and distributors

  • Analyse category, brand, and shopper performance to identify growth opportunities and risks

  • Develop and present clear, compelling insights to internal teams and retail buyers

  • Partner with Sales and Marketing on tailored NPD launch planning

  • Maintain reporting tools using multiple data sources (e.g. IRI, Nielsen, Kantar)

  • Manage insight platforms and support shopper research activities

  • Support NPD and innovation through performance analysis and trend identification



Experience & Skills

  • 2-5 years' experience in category management, insights, or a related commercial role

  • Degree qualified (or equivalent experience)

  • Strong Excel skills; good working knowledge of PowerPoint

  • Excellent communication and storytelling capability

  • Experience in FMCG or consumer-facing industries

  • Comfortable working cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment

  • Willingness to travel across the UK, France, and EMEA as required