Category Planning Manager

Location: We welcome applications from those looking for hybrid working, based 2 to 3 days per week in our Handforth (Cheshire) OfficeAbout the RoleAs a key driver of category performance, you will be responsible for defining and delivering strategic, data-driven plans that accelerate category growth and increase market share. You will bring the customer to the centre of all commercial planning, ensuring customer insight shapes decision-making and drives meaningful outcomes.Acting as a vital bridge between Commercial and Marketing, you will collaborate closely across teams to develop and execute compelling retail activation plans. This includes leading activity across range changes, point-of-sale execution and integrated marketing, translating strategy into impactful in-store and shopper-focused activation.Key Responsibilities What youll be doingStrategy Development Creating long term Commercial strategies and category roles aligned to business objectivesData & Insight Analysis To work with Trade Planning Manager, Ranging and Clustering team, VM, Buying and Supply teams to identify market trends and customer behaviour, spotting opportunities for growth and range gap analysis through thorough understanding of categories, competitors and the marketRepresent the voice of the customer through attending and driving customer listening groups, challenging Commercial teams on range, price and promotion mechanics to ensure a customer centric category planCreate a marketing activation plan by category aligned to business strategy and sync planCollaboration with Marketing, Buying, Supply Chain, VM, ranging and clustering and space teamsKey MeasurablesCategory strategy established with category roles identified aligned to Commercial objectives and Head of Category intentCollaborating with Marketing to create activation plan by categoryGrowth in customer numbers by categoryGrowth in customer satisfaction scoresSales/ profit growth in high focus categoriesAbout You What youll bring to the rolePrevious Category Planning experience within an FMCG or retail environmentConfident communicator who can facilitate cross functional discussions and drive alignmentComfortable managing and influencing multiple stakeholders and balancing short term trading needs with long term strategic goalsHighly organised and methodical planner with strong project management skills and attention to detailStrong commercial acumen, with experience of analysing performance and market dataWe take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities. Even if your skills and experience dont perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you.TPBN1_UKTJ