Category Development Leader Convenience (m/f/d)
Job Description:
As the Category Development Leader – Convenience, you will be the strategic engine driving our Snacking portfolio (including iconic brands like M&M’S, SNICKERS, TWIX, EXTRA, and SKITTLES) in one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic channels. You will translate complex shopper and market data into highly actionable check-out, shelf and assortment strategies, working as a trusted advisor to our key accounts in the Convenience sector.
What will be your key responsibilities?
Category Understanding & Insight Delivery: Drive deep understanding of the category and shopper behaviors within the Convenience channel. Turn these insights into meaningful, actionable plans and drive our Check-out Champion Agenda forward, while further expanding our category knowledge with AI expertise.
Strategic Customer Partnership: Develop tailored Category Growth Plans for leading Convenience accounts (e.g., petrol stations, kiosks, smart stores, and impulse outlets) and establish Mars as the preferred, trusted Category Partner through dedicated customer projects. You will drive Checkout and Shelf Projects in line with our Snacking Category Vision and ensure an external industry presence with active engagement within the German Convenience channel and relevant industry events.
Layout and Planogram Recommendations: Define assortment and layout guidelines tailored specifically to Convenience channel to optimize shopper navigation and maximize impulse purchases. Actively participate in global and regional projects, translating them into local market needs.
Perfect Store Execution: Consult Perfect Store Team in PICOF development for Convenience, ensuring these PICOFs are successfully tailored and brought to the customer.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the vital bridge between Key Account Management and Portfolio Teams to bring category perspective into strategic discussions.
What are we looking for?
Professional Experience: Proven experience of min. 2 years in Category Management within the FMCG industry
Channel Expertise: Experience working with the Convenience channel, petrol stations, or the impulse sector is a plus, combined with a good understanding of shopper missions and impulse-buying dynamics.
Analytical Excellence: A strong passion for data (e.g., NielsenIQ, retailer scan data) and a proven ability to translate complex numbers into compelling category stories and strategic recommendations. Curiosity and openness to using AI-supported tools to unlock new growth opportunities.
Relationship Building & Influencing: Strong customer focus, exceptional communication, and presentation skills with the ability to influence and align both internal and external stakeholders.
Languages: Fluent in both English and German is required to operate effectively in our global network.
What can you expect from Mars?
Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.