Senior Category Manager (Mat Cover)

The Advocate Group is proud to be partnering with a leading name in the drinks industry in their search for a Senior Category Manager to join their commercial team on a maternity cover contract.

The Business:

• A globally respected, premium drinks company with an impressive brand portfolio.
• Strong partnerships across the UK and European retail landscape.
• Driven by insight-led, customer-first strategies that fuel long-term commercial growth.

The Role:

• Own and lead the Category relationship with Sainsbury s, Morrisons, and Ahold Group (Benelux).
• Act as the voice of the customer and shopper internally, challenging and influencing to drive stronger commercial outcomes.
• Identify growth opportunities and gaps across accounts, and collaborate with Sales & Marketing to act on them.
• Support the creation of annual customer business plans and track NPD performance.
• Manage relationships with retailer data agencies (e.g. Nectar360), and lead analysis using Kantar, Nielsen, and loyalty data.
• Contribute to the evolution of the Category Vision, working closely with the wider Insight & Category team.

About You:

• FMCG experience, with direct and independent work with Top 4 UK Grocery accounts.
• Confident using loyalty data (e.g. Nectar360) and insight platforms such as Kantar, Nielsen, and IRI.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn data into compelling, visual narratives.
• Excellent communicator and confident presenter across internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in European markets, particularly the Netherlands or Belgium, is a plus.

Benefits:

• Work with one of the most recognised names in premium beverages.
• Strong exposure to senior commercial stakeholders and high-profile retail accounts.
• A collaborative, insight-led business with a forward-thinking culture.
• Office-based role with flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment.

If this sounds like your next challenge, I d love to hear from you!

Please get in touch with Erin Lewis or click Apply Now to be considered for this vacancy.

Call: (phone number removed)

Email: (url removed)

The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner to the FMCG and consumer product sectors.

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