HEAD OF CATEGORY MANAGE MENT

Want to work for a global organisation that focuses on health & hygiene? A company where there are opportunities to develop and grow? If so lets talk …

There are many of reasons to work at Essity:

• High reaching starting salary with annual reviews
• P ension 10% employer contribution
• A nnual sales incentive bonus
• Company car allowance
• Holidays starting at 27 days plus bank holidays (with flexible bank holiday options)
• S taff product and discounts
• Essity Rewards (online and in-store shopping discounts)
• Benefits include: EAP support service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discount and many more
• Local community activities and charitable initiatives

WHO YOU ARE

So, what are we looking for?

• Proven experience in category management, ideally within FMCG or retail.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn data into strategic insights.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Experience working with major UK retailers.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Essity is looking for an experienced Category Management leader to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an international and innovative health and hygiene company, home to market-leading brands such as Plenty, Cushelle , Bodyform , and TENA . Based in Manchester, you’ll join a friendly, p rofessional, and committed marketing team focused on delivering excellence across major UK retailers.
In this role, you wi ll develop and lead category management activities to position Essity as the retailer’s strategic insight partner of choice. You will drive growth in prioriti s ed channels an d with key customers. You’ll be responsible for creating and implementing category visions , defining the omnichannel store of the future and executing our merchandising and assortment plans within it. You will also deliver in-depth data analysis and provid e actionable insights to enhance business performance.
A s a key leader in the business , you’ll guide and develop a team, offering regular feedback and supporting their professional growth . You will also get the opportunity to s har e best practices and contribut e to cross-functional projects across the EMEA network .
This role is offered on a hybrid working basis — 3 days onsite at our Didsbury, Manchester office and 2 days remote .

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead and develop category management initiatives across priority channels and customers.
• Build strong partnerships with retailers to align on category vision and strategy.
• Translate shopper and customer insights into actionable plans that drive growth.
• Define and implement merchandising and assortment strategies by category and channel.
• Conduct in-depth data analysis to provide insights and recommendations that enhance business performance.
• Contribute to pricing strategies and promotional planning with a focus on ROI and KPIs.
• Manage budgets and ensure effective allocation of resources.
• Share best practices and contribute to cross-functional projects and networks.
• Lead and develop a team, providing regular feedback and supporting professional growth.