Head of Category Strategy DACH (m/f/d)
Job Description:
What would be your key responsibilities?
Localisation of the global category vision into a clear category vision for the unit, grounded in a deep understanding of Shopper, Customer and Business needs and opportunities.
Translation of the category vision and drivers into compelling insight led category solutions, based on quantification of opportunities, and with the aim of influencing shopper behaviour and converting more shoppers and transactions at the point of sale for the mutual benefit of the organisation and our customers
Shape the Shopper Insight and In-Store test and learn agenda in collaboration with CMI/Shopper & Human Intelligence, to inform the development of effective Category and In-store solutions at the key Confectionery locations in store (Main Aisle, Transaction Zone, Freezer and Online)
Lead a team to monitor category, customer & channel trends and performance to identify future growth opportunities and formulate appropriate recommendations, ensuring sustainable category growth.
Responsible for motivating and leading a capable and engaged team of analysts, strategy specialist and perfect store specialists supporting their personal and functional development.
Ensure consistent understanding internally of category growth drivers, role and attractiveness and influence and support the development of category and portfolio plans & activation grounded in category growth drivers.
Support the Category Leadership team in the deployment and embedding of the category vision in Customer Category growth plans with key strategic customers, based on shopper and customer insight, in order to drive internal and external alignment and to ensure successful and sustainable activation.
Develop with the teams an integrated picture of success based on In-Store Leadership Principles and prioritised Category growth solutions and activations, ensuring Mars portfolio visibility and presence at point of purchase exceeds market share and perfect store ambitions are realised.
Govern the deployment and adaptation of global governance models, resource templates, process steps, workshop templates and scorecards for the unit’s Perfect Store program whilst maintaining consistency with global Mars Snacking principles.
Oversee the annual appraisal of market Perfect Store capabilities (X-Ray process). Generate critical insights and report back to the local management team. Collaborate with the Sales Director to agree the scope, timing and resources required to deliver the Perfect Store capability priorities. Align ambition regionally and globally.
Lead the cluster strategy for the use and development of Category Focussed Artificial Intelligence tools and offerings alongside the global and region al category and Digital Technologies Teams
Engage with, Influence and lead through senior business stakeholders including Category Director, Cluster Leadership Functional Heads, Cluster GM and Regional/Global Functional Leaders, to drive the cluster category strategy agenda.
What are we looking for?
Fluency in spoken and written English and German Language
Minimum ten years FMCG/CPG business experience
Minimum three years of senior category strategy/ Category Leadership experience within FMCG/CPG business.
Minimum five years of people leadership experience / capability with the ability to build capability, develop talent and engage associates
Experience in areas such as (but not exclusive to): Sales, Consumer and Customer Marketing and Shopper Insights, Field Sales and National Key Accounts, Digital / Online Commerce
Track record of development, simplifying, executing and embedding business strategies and Perfect Store (or similar) programs.
Proven ability to stand alone, challenge the status quo and identify continuous improvement opportunities. Self-reliant, decisive and resilient.
High analytical acumen with ability to drive and translate insights into relevant strategies and tactics (actions / initiatives) internally and for execution with our customers.
Proven ability to deliver results through others, inspiring them with vision and purpose.
Ability to operationalise and execute a change initiative and engage and influence both customers and key stakeholders behind it.
Commercially and financially astute and proven business judgement with an understanding of the commercial impact of their own decision making.
Strong experience of working with category visions and the ability to operationalise and execute a category vision and engage and influence both customers and key stakeholders behind it.
Customer experience and understanding of how to develop engaging and actionable category solutions for the customer.
Ability to navigate complex situations and challenge the status quo with a can do attitude. Self-reliant, decisive and resilient and able to respond and adapt to a fast moving, swiftly changing environment.
What can you expect from Mars?
Work with over 140.000 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.
Best-in-class 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.