Head of Category

We are currently looking for a Head of Category Managementto lead our amazing category team here in the happy world pf HARIBO. 

This position will also have the responsibility of owning the Category/Channel Strategy & Vision of Haribo and MAOAM Brands across the UK retailers. 

This includes:

Leading the creation of the Category / Channel vision & strategy in partnership with the HARIBO Insights team.

Voicing the commercial category perspective in CP&A (Commercial Planning & Activation) and the Stage & Gate process - the strategic bridge between Sales and Marketing, representing both Shopper and Retailer.Leading the external Category Management agenda across the sales channels – developing trusted advisory relationships with customers, that unlocks space gains for Haribo, and establishes Haribo as the go-to partner for category insight.Leveraging data sources to provide strategic insight and direction both internally and with external retail partners.Translating the category vision and strategy into actions both instore and online.

The role must work closely with the Sales Leadership Team, National Account Managers, Brand Marketing, Design, and Insight teams to deliver activity that is built on strong Shopper, Consumer and Retailer insight, and a sound understanding of our brand strategy and objectives as well as our retailers’ strategies. 

These strategies should be built from trends, purpose and a data driven marketing approach, to further our ability to build meaningful relationships and drive loyalty with our shoppers. 

This role must lead in ensuring that the Category Management team think outside the box, present new ideas with activations and not be wedded to strict retailer guidelines and historic approaches.

The role must be able to lead strategic thinking across the channels to develop category growth strategies that can be taken to the trade with clear thought leadership. This must translate into objective category partnership with key retailers and embedding and delivering HARIBO growth strategies with them.

The successful candidate will have the ability to forge and lead meaningful relationships directly with key customers and agency partners. The role reports directly to the VP Sales for UK.

 Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

 Part of the Sales Leadership Team. You will manage 3 permanent Category managers in addition to a portfolio of external Customer contacts and data agency relationships. 

Team & Channel Leadership 

Work alongside VP Sales, Sales Controllers, NAMs, Brand Managers to define and deliver against Haribo channel & brand strategyLead the creation and embedding of the HARIBO Category vision and strategy for the future of sweets.Develop best in class external retailer relationships to become the trusted category partner of choice.Deliver retailer specific insight and context to market performance analysisContinuously represent channel view in to CP&A / and Stage & Gate process 

Deliver Retailer Events / Strategic Initiatives in Retailer

Lead strategic T2T relationships directly with our customers and align to JBP goals and deliverables.Influence key retailers at key decision making points e.g. range reviews to align to HARIBO category vision and growth drivers

Team Leadership

Lead and manage colleagues ensuring they have the skills to deliver in their role and receive the necessary support, training and feedback to do their job well. Define clear prioritisation and focus across channels and customers to maximise the value added by the Category Management team for HARIBO and our retail partners.

Activities will involve: 

Lead, coach and manage direct reports (Category Management team), and coach indirect Sales Account teams to deliver the business plan.Develop direct reports through the development and delivery of Personal Development Plans, including regular 1:1s, in field coaching and performance reviews.Support career development and succession planning Recruitment for any vacancies, ensuring a pipeline of future talent is developed

If this sounds like your flavour and you would like to hear more about the position, please reach out to JP Jones on Johnpaul.jones@haribo.com or click the link to apply.

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