Head of Category Strategy and Insights

The Head of Category Strategy & Insights owns the development and execution of insight-led category strategies, driving sustainable growth across our Total Coffee Solution in both Retail and Out of Home (OOH) channels.

This is a highly strategic and visible role, responsible for translating complex consumer, shopper and market data into clear, actionable commercial decisions. You will play a critical role in shaping business direction, influencing senior stakeholders, and accelerating growth across both branded and private-label portfolios.

Acting as the bridge between data and execution, you will ensure that insights are embedded at the heart of decision-making across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

Category strategy & commercial leadership

• Own the development and delivery of long-term, insight-led category strategies aligned to commercial and marketing objectives
• Drive performance through clear recommendations on range, pricing, promotion and channel strategy
• Partner with Commercial and Marketing teams to shape and deliver Joint Business Plans with key customers
• Lead category input into new business tenders and strategic customer engagements

Insights & analytics

• Lead the synthesis of consumer, shopper and market data (including syndicated sources such as Nielsen, GlobalData and Dunnhumby) into actionable insights
• Translate complex data into clear, compelling recommendations that influence senior stakeholders and drive decision making
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and channel dynamics across Retail and OOH to inform strategy
• Establish and embed best-in-class approach to insight generation and utilisation

Innovation & portfolio strategy

• Own and govern the innovation pipeline, defining and leading stage-gate processes
• Identify and unlock new growth opportunities across products, formats and equipment
• Develop and optimise portfolio strategies across branded and private-label

Performance & delivery

• Define and track key performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of category strategies, portfolios and brands
• Provide ongoing performance analysis and actionable recommendations to accelerate growth
• Play a key role in the acceleration of new channels and our Ueshima brand across Retail and OOH

What we’re looking for

• Proven track record of developing and delivering category or commercial strategies that drive measurable growth
• Significant experience in coffee, beverages, or a closely related FMCG category
• Strong experience across B2B (foodservice, hospitality) and retail channels
• Deep understanding of category management, commercial drivers, and profitability levers
• Advanced experience using syndicated data sources (e.g. Nielsen, GlobalData, Dunnhumby) and applying both quantitative and qualitative research
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior level
• Highly strategic, with the ability to translate insight into action and execution
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with strong presentation capability
• Experience in Strategy, Insights, RGM and/or Commercial Functions

Salary

Competitive