Head of Commercial & Category Strategy

About this role

The Head of Commercial Strategy & Category Vision is responsible for leading the development of the three year commercial and category strategy for the business.With this agreed, they are then accountable for the translation of this into a compelling narrative (internally and externally), supporting the communication of this, and continuously reviewing the assumptions which underpinned this strategy to determine if it requires update of revision both in and at the end of year.

The Commercial Strategy & Planning team own the development of longer term strategic direction and vision of the business, including three year commercial strategies across the portfolio, price / value setting and guardrails, and both internal and external category narratives. This team are the centre for RGM activities, market insights and intelligence, and total category / channel perspectives.

Role Responsibilities

• Manage the Commercial Strategy & Category Vision team
• Lead 3-5 Year commercial strategy development & annual commercial planning, ensuring clear direction into brand and channel strategies & plans.
• Lead the development and maintenance of the company’s growth vision for total beverage, and  cascade into commercially relevant category strategy for both internal & external audiences.  
• Develop and maintain commercialised segment strategies e.g. cola, premium lager
• Act as priority customers’ ‘go to’ expert for total beverages category vision & advice
• Lead identified internal strategic projects contributing to or resulting from the strategy development

Experience and Key Attributes

• Experienced in stakeholder management/influencing to achieve key business goals
• Extensive FMCG background, ideally across multiple categories and/or channels  
• Demonstrable category management experience, including data literacy
• Clear experience of utilising consumer and shopper insights to develop compelling category plans
• Substantial commercial experience within FMCG industry, and ideally with Beer &/or Soft drinks experience  
• Ability to develop & commercialise long term strategic plans & category thinking (ideally with P&L experience)  
• Effective at prioritisation for self and team with excellent communication skills
• Tenacious and resilient when it comes to resolving business challenges and prepared to use judgement when the need arises  
• Ability to prioritise and turn multiple sources of data in to clear strategic insights, which translate into actionable commercial plans
• A strong understanding of insight processes and how this information can be used to create strategic recommendations across a variety of different channel clusters
• Intimately understands channel, brand and consumer mission dynamics  
• A flair for storytelling, delivering key messages into logical and compelling structures  
• Ability to build strong cross functional relationships and deliver trust/credibility

Application Process

We read applications continuously, and vacancies may be filled anytime, so please apply as early as possible.

We look forward to receiving your application.