Senior Category Manager
Posted 5 hours 37 minutes ago by Science in Sport PLC
£80,000 - £100,000 Annual
Permanent
Full Time
Retail & Consumer Products Jobs
England, United Kingdom
Job Description
Who We Are Science In Sport Group is a world leader in sports and performance nutrition.
We have two highly regarded brands; SiS which combines world-class science and innovation to provide optimal performance nutritional solutions for professional athletes, sports and fitness enthusiasts and the active lifestyle community. This includes over 320 professional teams worldwide across a broad range of sports including Football, Rugby, Cycling, Athletics, Basketball, Netball and Swimming. Brand ambassadors include former track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, an eleven time world champion and six time Olympic champion, and Eilish McColgan, who won gold in the 2022 Commonwealth Games 10,000 metres.
PhD Nutrition is a premium, active nutrition brand for the active lifestyle community wanting intelligent nutrition to help them achieve their goals. With over 20 years of research and development, our products are designed to maximise performance in and out of the gym. It's an exciting time for PhD Nutrition as 2025 will kick off an entirely new line up of brand ambassadors, from hybrid athletes to qualified sports nutritionists.
The two brands sell through the and digital platforms, third party online marketplaces including Amazon, as well as extensive domestic and international retail distribution.
In 2022 the company opened a state of the art 160,000 square foot manufacturing and logistics facility in Blackburn, Lancashire. Providing a significant advantage in product costs and customer response time and most importantly, allowing Science In Sport to lead the way for quality standards.
Science In Sport is the nutrition partner to globally recognised elite teams, including Tottenham Hotspur, Saracens Rugby, British Triathlon, Aquatics GB, British Cycling, England Netball and Loughborough Sports. As well as being the Official Energy Gel Provider of RunThrough and the Official Nutrition Partner of Ultra X.
The Role The Senior Category Manager is responsible for maximising the performance of the Science in Sport portfolio within key retail partners. This is achieved through strategic category management interventions that drive sustained growth by delivering a superior shopping experience which maximises category value for retailers with Science in Sport as a key driver of growth. Acting as an impartial business partner to retailer category teams, this role drives growth through insight led category vision, optimal range architecture, and compelling in store execution that meets the needs of shoppers and delivers mutual value for both Science in Sport and our retail partners.
• Develop evidence based category strategies grounded in shopper insights, market trends, and performance data
• Lead category reviews and strategic planning sessions with retail partners to identify opportunities for mutual growth
Range & Space Management • Define optimal product assortment, shelf layout and range architecture across retail partners to maximise category and brand performance behind an optimised shopping experience
• Work collaboratively with retail category range planners to optimise share of shelf for Science in Sport products based on performance data and shopper insights
• Develop and present space planograms and merchandising recommendations that enhance on shelf efficiency and shopper navigation and increases retail closure rates
Business Partnership & Stakeholder Management • Act as an impartial category business partner, balancing the needs of the retailer, the category, and Science in Sport commercial objectives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with retailer category managers, buyers, and trading teams
• Present compelling, insight driven business cases to secure retailer buy in for range changes at key range review periods, innovations, and promotional activities
Performance Analysis & Insights • Provide regular category performance updates to retail partners, demonstrating category growth opportunities and Science in Sport contribution
• Deliver actionable shopper insights that inform category decisions, including path to purchase, shopper missions, and purchase drivers
• Analyse market data, category trends, and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities and threats at retail
• Candidate will ideally be highly numerate with previous experience of assessing pricing and promotional dynamics in their industry and setting pricing strategy.
Post Activity Review & Continuous Improvement • Present comprehensive post activity reviews to retailer category teams, evaluating performance of range changes, NPD launches, and promotional activities
• Measure and communicate ROI of category initiatives, demonstrating value delivered to retailer and category
• Continuously refine category approach based on performance learnings and evolving shopper needs
Cross Functional Collaboration • Partner with internal teams including Sales, Marketing, NPD, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution of category plans
• Brief Marketing and NPD teams on category opportunities to inform innovation pipeline and promotional strategy
• Collaborate with Sales teams to align category plans with commercial objectives and trading terms
Capability - the skills and behaviours required to do this job well • Proven track record of success in a leadership sales role, selling to major UK retailers with an FMCG manufacturer.
• Proven experience in a Category Management or Category Development role within FMCG or retail environment
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated ability to drive sales growth and profitability through category management principles whilst balancing internal objectives
• Excellent analytical skills with proficiency in interpreting market data, retail data (EPOS), and shopper insights
• Ability to build trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders
• Able to gain buy in from stakeholders at all levels through compelling storytelling
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with ability to influence senior stakeholders and build compelling business cases
• Proficient in space planning tools and planogram development
• Understanding of the sports nutrition, health and wellness, or active lifestyle categories
• Experience working with data sources such as Circana, IRI, Kantar, or retailer loyalty card data
• Experience of NPD launch planning and execution within retail environment
• Works effectively across functions to deliver shared goals
• Takes initiative and ownership for category performance
• Responds effectively to changing market conditions and retailer requirements
A passion for sport, fitness and an active lifestyle would be beneficial but not essential
Performance - how you will know you are doing a great job
Attributes - experience and mindset that will enable you to do well in this role. • Proven track record of success in a leadership sales role, selling to major UK retailers with an FMCG manufacturer.
• Proven experience in a Category Management or Category Development role within FMCG or retail environment
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated ability to drive sales growth and profitability through category management principles whilst balancing internal objectives
• Excellent analytical skills with proficiency in interpreting market data, retail data (EPOS), and shopper insights
• Ability to build trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders
• Able to gain buy in from stakeholders at all levels through compelling storytelling
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with ability to influence senior stakeholders and build compelling business cases
. click apply for full job details
We have two highly regarded brands; SiS which combines world-class science and innovation to provide optimal performance nutritional solutions for professional athletes, sports and fitness enthusiasts and the active lifestyle community. This includes over 320 professional teams worldwide across a broad range of sports including Football, Rugby, Cycling, Athletics, Basketball, Netball and Swimming. Brand ambassadors include former track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, an eleven time world champion and six time Olympic champion, and Eilish McColgan, who won gold in the 2022 Commonwealth Games 10,000 metres.
PhD Nutrition is a premium, active nutrition brand for the active lifestyle community wanting intelligent nutrition to help them achieve their goals. With over 20 years of research and development, our products are designed to maximise performance in and out of the gym. It's an exciting time for PhD Nutrition as 2025 will kick off an entirely new line up of brand ambassadors, from hybrid athletes to qualified sports nutritionists.
The two brands sell through the and digital platforms, third party online marketplaces including Amazon, as well as extensive domestic and international retail distribution.
In 2022 the company opened a state of the art 160,000 square foot manufacturing and logistics facility in Blackburn, Lancashire. Providing a significant advantage in product costs and customer response time and most importantly, allowing Science In Sport to lead the way for quality standards.
Science In Sport is the nutrition partner to globally recognised elite teams, including Tottenham Hotspur, Saracens Rugby, British Triathlon, Aquatics GB, British Cycling, England Netball and Loughborough Sports. As well as being the Official Energy Gel Provider of RunThrough and the Official Nutrition Partner of Ultra X.
The Role The Senior Category Manager is responsible for maximising the performance of the Science in Sport portfolio within key retail partners. This is achieved through strategic category management interventions that drive sustained growth by delivering a superior shopping experience which maximises category value for retailers with Science in Sport as a key driver of growth. Acting as an impartial business partner to retailer category teams, this role drives growth through insight led category vision, optimal range architecture, and compelling in store execution that meets the needs of shoppers and delivers mutual value for both Science in Sport and our retail partners.
- Contract: Permanent
- Salary: up to £70,000
- Working Hours: 09:00 - 17:30
- Location: Blackburn
- On site gym
- Cycle to work scheme
- Product discount
- Birthday day off
- Pension scheme, employer contribution at 4%
- Build and execute SiS vision across key UK Retail partners
- Define optimal range by pack, flavour, format and price tier
- Turn shopper and consumption insight into category stories and selling decks that shape range reviews
- Lead internally on market, shopper and competitive category insights
• Develop evidence based category strategies grounded in shopper insights, market trends, and performance data
• Lead category reviews and strategic planning sessions with retail partners to identify opportunities for mutual growth
Range & Space Management • Define optimal product assortment, shelf layout and range architecture across retail partners to maximise category and brand performance behind an optimised shopping experience
• Work collaboratively with retail category range planners to optimise share of shelf for Science in Sport products based on performance data and shopper insights
• Develop and present space planograms and merchandising recommendations that enhance on shelf efficiency and shopper navigation and increases retail closure rates
Business Partnership & Stakeholder Management • Act as an impartial category business partner, balancing the needs of the retailer, the category, and Science in Sport commercial objectives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with retailer category managers, buyers, and trading teams
• Present compelling, insight driven business cases to secure retailer buy in for range changes at key range review periods, innovations, and promotional activities
Performance Analysis & Insights • Provide regular category performance updates to retail partners, demonstrating category growth opportunities and Science in Sport contribution
• Deliver actionable shopper insights that inform category decisions, including path to purchase, shopper missions, and purchase drivers
• Analyse market data, category trends, and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities and threats at retail
• Candidate will ideally be highly numerate with previous experience of assessing pricing and promotional dynamics in their industry and setting pricing strategy.
Post Activity Review & Continuous Improvement • Present comprehensive post activity reviews to retailer category teams, evaluating performance of range changes, NPD launches, and promotional activities
• Measure and communicate ROI of category initiatives, demonstrating value delivered to retailer and category
• Continuously refine category approach based on performance learnings and evolving shopper needs
Cross Functional Collaboration • Partner with internal teams including Sales, Marketing, NPD, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution of category plans
• Brief Marketing and NPD teams on category opportunities to inform innovation pipeline and promotional strategy
• Collaborate with Sales teams to align category plans with commercial objectives and trading terms
Capability - the skills and behaviours required to do this job well • Proven track record of success in a leadership sales role, selling to major UK retailers with an FMCG manufacturer.
• Proven experience in a Category Management or Category Development role within FMCG or retail environment
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated ability to drive sales growth and profitability through category management principles whilst balancing internal objectives
• Excellent analytical skills with proficiency in interpreting market data, retail data (EPOS), and shopper insights
• Ability to build trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders
• Able to gain buy in from stakeholders at all levels through compelling storytelling
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with ability to influence senior stakeholders and build compelling business cases
• Proficient in space planning tools and planogram development
• Understanding of the sports nutrition, health and wellness, or active lifestyle categories
• Experience working with data sources such as Circana, IRI, Kantar, or retailer loyalty card data
• Experience of NPD launch planning and execution within retail environment
• Works effectively across functions to deliver shared goals
• Takes initiative and ownership for category performance
• Responds effectively to changing market conditions and retailer requirements
A passion for sport, fitness and an active lifestyle would be beneficial but not essential
Performance - how you will know you are doing a great job
- Market Share- Growth in value and volume market share within sports nutrition category across retail partners
- Share of Shelf- Achievement of optimal share of shelf distribution targets relative to market share
- TDP Expansion (shared)- Increase in Total Distribution Points across the portfolio in collaboration with sales teams
- Range Review Revenue Uplifts- Incremental revenue generated through successful range reviews and optimisation activities
- On Shelf Efficiency (ROS)- Rate of Sale performance demonstrating effective space allocation and product mix
Attributes - experience and mindset that will enable you to do well in this role. • Proven track record of success in a leadership sales role, selling to major UK retailers with an FMCG manufacturer.
• Proven experience in a Category Management or Category Development role within FMCG or retail environment
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated ability to drive sales growth and profitability through category management principles whilst balancing internal objectives
• Excellent analytical skills with proficiency in interpreting market data, retail data (EPOS), and shopper insights
• Ability to build trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders
• Able to gain buy in from stakeholders at all levels through compelling storytelling
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with ability to influence senior stakeholders and build compelling business cases
. click apply for full job details