Category Account Manager

Category Account Manager - FMCG & Private Label
Location: Outskirts of Crawley
Salary: 45k - 50k
Benefits: Flexible start/finish times, free gym membership, health and wellbeing programmes, discounts at hundreds of retailers and hospitality venues, health cashback plan

Are you an experienced Category Account Manager with a strong background in FMCG, private label, and supplier-side retail partnerships? Do you have experience working with leading retailers such as Aldi, Tesco, TK Maxx, Lidl, or Sainsbury's? If so, we want to hear from you.

Why apply?

• Retail-Focused Role - Manage and develop high-profile product categories with major retailers
• No Sales Targets - Focus on strategic category development and delivering exceptional service
• Career Growth - Join a thriving, innovative, and fast-paced business

The Company

Our client is a market-leading FMCG supplier known for developing and delivering high-quality private-label products to leading UK retailers. With continued expansion, they are seeking a proactive Category Account Manager to drive key retailer relationships and ensure seamless product supply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Retailer Account Management - Build and maintain strong relationships with category managers and buyers at major retailers
• Category Strategy Development - Develop and execute strategies for growth within your category, analysing market trends and customer demands
• Product Lifecycle Oversight - Collaborate with NPD, Buying, and Supply Chain teams to manage product ranges, SKU portfolios, and launches
• Private Label Expertise - Oversee bespoke product development, packaging, and branding to meet retailer specifications
• Critical Path & Supply Chain Coordination - Manage supplier relationships globally to ensure smooth order fulfilment and stock availability
• Process Improvement - Streamline operations and drive efficiencies within category management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Work alongside internal teams to support new product development, packaging approvals, and compliance
• Issue Resolution - Quickly address and resolve challenges related to quality, supply, or delivery timelines

What We're Looking For:

• Proven FMCG account management experience - ideally working with supermarkets, discounters, or major retailers
• Strong understanding of SKU management, private label products, and supplier negotiations
• Track record of working with retail buyers and understanding their commercial needs
• Team management experience
• Excellent project management skills with experience managing critical paths
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM, and order management tools
• Full UK Driving Licence & own transport (due to office location)
• Desirable: Experience in process improvement, change management, or international supply chain operations