Category Manager

Application Deadline: 23 November 2026

Department: Insights

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Australia

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Effectively leading & engaging with the cross functional team to develop category review decks, that deliver visually engaging content & strong story telling 
• Leading internal team alignment when preparing for retailer reviews 
• Develop recommendations that balance category growth, shopper needs, retailer strategy, portfolio priorities and commercial value.
• Timely completion of presentation decks ahead of scheduled meetings
• Partner with customer teams to shape joint business plans, customer strategies, innovation priorities and activation plans.
• Fast turnaround on responses to retailer questions & follow up actions 
• Ability to present the story to the retailer, and to effectively respond to their on-the-spot queries

• Playing a key role in commercial planning discussions for retailer negotiations / engagements 
• Play a lead role in the ongoing review of Net Revenue Management within the business
• Effective contribution to the monthly IBP meetings, with clear recommendations flowing through to Leadership Team where required 
• Involvement in annual budgeting process including development of modelling tools to assist in the planning approach 
• Building a strong relationship with Finance Business Partner 
• Continue to evolve the category planning approach taking into account learnings each year 

• Monitor category, brand, customer and channel performance, identify risks and opportunities early, and recommend changes where performance or market conditions shift.
• Key category performance commentary & supporting data shared with the team as required 
• On time delivery of inputs for internal meetings (eg: Commercial Review and Demand Review) 
•  Weekly tracking and reporting on NPD performance + completion of 13wk post launch review 
•  Effective use of category data to guide business decision making & negotiation planning 
•  Contribution to global & local reporting requirements

• Identify and assess category-led growth opportunities across established and emerging channels, using evidence on consumers, occasions, routes to market and channel economics.
• Partner with Sales and Marketing to build the category story, portfolio recommendation and commercial case for growth across priority channels.
• Support retailer and partner engagement by clearly articulating the category opportunity, relevant growth drivers, innovation pipeline and value proposition.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Tertiary qualification in business, marketing, commerce or a related discipline.
• Experience in Category Management within an FMCG organisation 
• Experience using multiple data and insight sources to shape customer or commercial decisions.
• Experience supporting range reviews, customer planning and insight-led retailer engagement.
• Intermediate experience with Excel and PowerPoint
•  Super user of data tools including IRI, Quantium, Coles Synergy & Unify
• Worked cross-functionally and collaborated with other departments to share insights
•  Developed customer specific insights that have led to action or change to improve performance

• In-depth understanding of Australian grocery landscape & customer dynamics
• Understanding of pricing and promotional strategies & outcomes
• Range and space planning & sku prioritisation
• Building NPD forecasts & assumptions based on market benchmarks
• Understanding of relevant health metrics of brands

• Analytical: analyzes information and data thoroughly and puts in place plans to achieve long range success
• Attention to detail: sets high standards for excellence and ensures work outputs are highly accurate
• Inquisitive: is curious and seeks out information; doesn’t take information at face value
• Authenticity: demonstrating openness and honesty and acts with integrity when dealing with data and analytics
• Team Player: works collaboratively with others to achieve goals, puts team needs ahead of own needs. Is open and honest with others.
• Adaptability: embraces and is comfortable with change and ambiguity; able to operate in environment with limited structure and constant change
• Results driven: strives to excel in own work and profession
• Organised: is planned and structured in approach
  
  

Benefits

• Additional 1% Superannuation
• Flexible / Hybrid working options 
• Birthday Day Leave
• Discounted Twinings Co products
• Access to LinkedIn Learning 
• Access to ABF Networking, connect, collaborate, and grow across the ABF Group.