🔹 Job Title: Category and Trade Marketing Manager
🔹 Company: Wella
🔹 Location: London, City of, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (2 days in office)
🔹 Category: Consumer Retail
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-22
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid
📊 Job Overview
- Develop winning strategies and ensure excellent in-store execution to drive profitable growth
- Build category visions, manage retailer relationships, and translate insights into actionable plans
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver commercial excellence
- Contribute to brand performance analysis and commercial strategy development
Assumption: This role requires a strong background in category management and working with large FMCG retailers. A proactive approach and excellent communication skills are essential for success.
🚀 Key Responsibilities
📋 Category Management
- Build Category Visions and Growth Stories:
- Develop clear, actionable category visions and growth stories for 1-3 years
- Identify key levers for category growth and track progress against targets
- Manage Yearly Category Stories:
- Create yearly category stories that identify clear actionable levers for growth
- Collaborate with CMI and Channel Marketing to activate consumer/shopper insights and drive category growth
- Develop Category Plans:
- Build category plans for the next 12 months by customer
- Work closely with CMI and Channel Marketing to translate insights into winning customer activation
- Manage Retailer Relationships:
- Build strong working partnerships with retailer counterparts at Buyer, Merchandiser, and Senior Buyer levels
- Identify and analyze key competitor activity and report on competition
- Analyze Brand Performance:
- Contribute to brand performance analysis and commercial strategy development
- Consolidate brand 4P performance and provide business-building perspectives on competitive and customer analysis
Assumption: This section requires a strong understanding of category management, retailer relationships, and brand performance analysis. The candidate should have experience working with large FMCG retailers and be comfortable managing multiple stakeholders.
📌 Strategy Development and Execution
- Drive 5P Corrective Action:
- Influence the sales and brand team to take necessary 5P corrective action
- Translate, develop, and adapt branded concept sells/business cases for every launch/initiative to each major customer
- Conduct Initiative Launch Performance Analysis:
- Analyze initiative launch performance using a 5P framework
- Challenge underperforming initiatives and share best practices
- Translate Insights into Action:
- Translate category insights and data into actionable plans to support retailer sell-ins
- Validate final initiative sizing and work alongside the brand to determine innovation success
Assumption: This section requires strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to work cross-functionally. The candidate should be comfortable managing multiple projects and driving results in a fast-paced environment.
🤝️🤝 Cross-Functional Working
- Collaborate with Brand and Sales Teams:
- Be the conduit between Brand Marketing and Sales Teams to ensure Wella strategy is applied, customized, and executed with excellence
- Be the expert and driver of Commercial Excellence and improving commercial performance
- Build Strong Working Relationships:
- Build strong working relationships across the business to enhance UK business performance
- Collaborate with Global Divisions, UK Sales, Education, and Marketing Teams to drive commercial success
Assumption: This section requires excellent communication skills, strong teamwork abilities, and the capacity to influence and drive results across multiple functions. The candidate should be comfortable working in a matrix organization and navigating complex stakeholder relationships.
🎯 Required Qualifications
📋 Education and Experience
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Experience: 7+ years of experience in category management, trade marketing, or a related role
- Proven success working with large FMCG retailers
- Experience in in-store, e-commerce, and online marketing
- Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
📌 Required Skills
- Category Management Skills:
- Proven track record in developing and executing category strategies
- Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with retailers
- Strategic Thinking and Execution:
- Proven ability to develop and execute winning strategies and initiatives
- Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
- Strong influencing skills and the ability to drive results in a matrix organization
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
Assumption: This section requires a strong understanding of the required skills and the ability to demonstrate relevant experience. The candidate should be able to provide specific examples of their accomplishments in each area.
💰 Compensation and Benefits
💰 Salary Range:
- Salary Range: £70,000 - £90,000 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications)
- Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including pension, healthcare, and wellness programs
- Generous vacation time and flexible working arrangements
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
- A dynamic and inclusive work environment with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion
Assumption: The salary range and benefits package are competitive for the role and reflect the experience and qualifications required. The candidate should have a clear understanding of the market rate for similar roles and be prepared to negotiate within the given range.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Beauty and Personal Care
- Company Size: 10,001+ employees (mid-size)
- Founded: 1955 (as Wella Balsam)
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Description: Wella is a global leader in the beauty industry, offering a wide range of hair care, styling, and color products for consumers and professionals. With a strong focus on innovation, Wella is committed to delivering high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of its customers.
- Specialties: Hair care, styling, color, and professional tools
Assumption: This section provides essential context about the company, its industry, and its focus on innovation and high-quality products. The candidate should have a clear understanding of Wella's mission and values.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years of experience)
- Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Consumer Retail Director
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days in office)
- Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a senior leadership role within the Consumer Retail division
- Opportunities to expand responsibilities and impact across the broader organization
Assumption: This section outlines the career level, reporting structure, and growth opportunities for the role. The candidate should have a clear understanding of the potential for career advancement and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the organization.
🌍 Location and Work Environment
- Office Type: Hybrid (2 days in office)
- Office Location: London, City of, United Kingdom
- Geographic Context:
- London, City of, United Kingdom
- Central location with excellent transportation links
- Diverse cultural and entertainment options
- Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible working arrangements
Assumption: This section provides details about the work environment, including the office type, location, and work schedule. The candidate should have a clear understanding of the work-life balance and the opportunity to work in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
💼 Interview and Application Insights
- Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interviews with hiring managers and key stakeholders
- Final round interviews with senior leadership
- Key Assessment Areas:
- Category management and strategy development
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Cultural fit and leadership potential
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for the role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and leadership potential
- Research the company and industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
Assumption: This section provides essential insights into the interview and application process. The candidate should have a clear understanding of the typical hiring process, the key assessment areas, and the tips for success in the application and interview stages.
🛠️🛠 Tools and Technologies
- Required Tools and Technologies:
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, SAP, Oracle)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Qlik)
Assumption: This section outlines the required tools and technologies for the role. The candidate should have a clear understanding of the tools and technologies required to perform the job effectively.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Customer-centricity
- Integrity
- Inclusion
- Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Strong focus on teamwork and collaboration
- Results-driven and performance-oriented culture
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Wella's company values?
- How do you approach working in a dynamic and collaborative environment?
- How do you handle feedback and setbacks in a performance-oriented culture?
Assumption: This section provides insights into the company's values, work style, and cultural fit considerations. The candidate should have a clear understanding of the company culture and be able to assess their fit within the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Challenges Specific to the Role:
- Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
- Balancing short-term tactical initiatives with long-term strategic planning
- Navigating complex retailer relationships and dynamics
- Challenges Specific to the Industry:
- Rapidly evolving consumer preferences and market trends
- Intense competition and market saturation
- Regulatory and compliance challenges in the beauty industry
Assumption: This section outlines potential challenges specific to the role and the industry. The candidate should have a clear understanding of the challenges they may face and be prepared to address them effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Comparison Points:
- Category management and strategy development responsibilities
- Retail and channel-specific focus
- Scope and scale of the role and the organization
- Career advancement and growth opportunities
Assumption: This section provides a comparison of similar roles within the industry. The candidate should have a clear understanding of the similarities and differences between the role and other comparable positions.
📝 Sample Projects
- Project Examples:
- Developing a new category strategy for a key retailer
- Managing a product launch across multiple channels and retailers
- Conducting a competitive analysis and responding to market threats
- Implementing a new pricing strategy to optimize revenue and market share
Assumption: This section provides examples of projects that the candidate may encounter in the role. The candidate should be able to discuss their relevant experience and how they have approached similar projects in the past.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Interview Questions:
- How do you approach developing and executing category strategies?
- Can you describe a time when you had to manage a complex retailer relationship? How did you handle it?
- How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and consumer preferences?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to pivot or change strategy due to market dynamics?
- How do you balance short-term tactical initiatives with long-term strategic planning?
Assumption: This section provides examples of key questions that the candidate should be prepared to answer during the interview. The candidate should have a clear understanding of the types of questions they may be asked and be able to provide thoughtful and relevant responses.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
📝 To Apply for This Position:
- Submit your application through the following link: [Application URL]
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for the role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and leadership potential
- Research the company and industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
📌 Concrete Preparation Steps:
1. Review the job description and ensure you meet the required qualifications
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences
3. Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by practicing common interview scenarios and developing your responses
4. Research the company, its industry, and its competitors to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
5. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the company to show your interest and engagement
📌 Follow-up Recommendation with Timeline:
- After your initial application, follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within 1-2 weeks to inquire about the status of your application
- If you have not heard back after the follow-up, continue to check the job posting or reach out again after another week has passed
- If you are invited for an interview, prepare thoroughly and dress appropriately for the occasion
- After your interview, send a thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the role
Assumption: This section provides clear and concise next steps for applicants, including concrete preparation steps and a follow-up recommendation with a timeline. The candidate should have a clear understanding of the application process and the expectations for follow-up and communication throughout the hiring process.
