Category Growth Manager

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Category Growth Manager 🔹 Company: Coty 🔹 Location: Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany 🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 office days per week) 🔹 Category: Beauty & Personal Care 🔹 Date Posted: June 5, 2025 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Developing and implementing commercial strategies for assigned brands - Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive brand growth - Analyzing market trends and customer insights to inform decision-making - Managing trade promotions and pricing strategies to maximize sales and profitability - Working closely with sales and marketing teams to execute brand initiatives ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively in a matrix organization. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Brand Strategy & Management: - Develop and execute commercial strategies for assigned brands based on market insights and customer trends - Collaborate with global and regional marketing teams to align brand positioning and messaging - Monitor and analyze brand performance metrics to drive continuous improvement ❓ ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires a deep understanding of the brand portfolio and the ability to balance global brand guidelines with local market needs. ✅ Trade Marketing & Promotion: - Develop and implement trade promotions and pricing strategies to drive sales and market share - Manage trade budgets and track ROI for promotional activities - Collaborate with sales teams to execute trade promotions and ensure optimal product availability ❓ ASSUMPTION: Experience in trade marketing or a similar role is beneficial for excelling in this aspect of the job. ✅ Cross-Functional Collaboration: - Work closely with sales, marketing, finance, supply chain, and other internal teams to execute brand initiatives - Represent the brand in cross-functional meetings and provide regular updates on brand performance and progress ❓ ASSUMPTION: Strong communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for effective collaboration in this role. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field Experience: - Proven track record in key account management, trade marketing, or a similar role (2-5 years) Required Skills: - Fluent in German and English (written and spoken) - Strong analytical and numerical skills - Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) - Knowledge of IRI, Nielsen, or GfK Panel data and SAP - Experience with beauty industry trends and consumer behavior Preferred Skills: - Familiarity with Coty's brand portfolio - Experience with e-commerce platforms and digital marketing strategies ❓ ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a background in the beauty industry and relevant experience will have a competitive advantage in this role. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: €45,000 - €60,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards for the role and location) Benefits: - Home office options (up to 2 days per week) - Flexible working hours and hybrid work arrangement (3 office days per week) - Positive work atmosphere and diverse team culture - Modern workplace design and free company parking - Good public transport connections and central location - Competitive benefits package (including health insurance, pension plan, and employee discounts) Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) ❓ ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Beauty & Personal Care Product Manufacturing Company Size: 10,001+ employees (global) Founded: 1904 (headquarters in Amsterdam, Netherlands) Company Description: - Coty is a global leader in beauty, with a portfolio of iconic brands in fragrance, decorative cosmetics, and skin & body care. - The company is committed to creating a forward-thinking beauty that is both good for people and the planet. - Coty's mission is to create innovative, science-based solutions that empower people to express their unique vision of beauty. Company Specialties: - Fragrances - Color cosmetics - Skin & body care Company Website: www.coty.com ❓ ASSUMPTION: Coty's global presence and diverse brand portfolio offer unique opportunities for career growth and development. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience) Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior or Director of Category Growth and may manage junior team members or external agencies. Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 office days per week, with the option to work from home up to 2 days per week) Growth Opportunities: - Opportunities for career progression within the category growth team or related functions - Exposure to global brand management and cross-functional collaboration - Potential to work on high-impact projects and drive significant business impact ❓ ASSUMPTION: Success in this role can lead to career advancement within Coty's global organization. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Modern, open-plan office with collaborative workspaces and dedicated team areas Office Location(s): Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany (with the option to work remotely up to 2 days per week) Geographic Context: - Darmstadt is located in the heart of Germany, with easy access to major cities such as Frankfurt and Stuttgart - The region offers a high quality of life, with a rich cultural scene, excellent educational institutions, and a strong economy Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible working hours and the option to work from home up to 2 days per week ❓ ASSUMPTION: Darmstadt's central location and vibrant cultural scene make it an attractive place to live and work. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application submission 2. Phone or video screening (30-45 minutes) 3. On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager (60-90 minutes) 4. Final interview with senior leadership (60-90 minutes) 5. Offer extension and onboarding Key Assessment Areas: - Analytical skills and problem-solving abilities - Strategic thinking and business acumen - Cultural fit and team dynamics - Communication and interpersonal skills Application Tips: - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role - Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability - Research Coty's brand portfolio and industry trends to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the role ATS Keywords: Category Growth, Brand Management, Trade Marketing, Key Account Management, Market Analysis, Strategic Planning, Beauty Industry, Consumer Behavior, Market Trends, Global Brand Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration ❓ ASSUMPTION: Familiarize yourself with Coty's brand portfolio and industry trends to showcase your understanding of the role and company during the interview process. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) - SAP - IRI, Nielsen, or GfK Panel data - E-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Magento, or custom-built solutions) - CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho CRM) - Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or Jira) ❓ ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant tools and technologies is essential for success in this role. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Fearless: Coty encourages employees to challenge the status quo and take calculated risks to drive innovation and growth - Forward: The company fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, always looking ahead to the next big idea - You: Coty celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences that each employee brings to the table, creating a diverse and inclusive work environment Work Style: - Collaborative: Coty emphasizes teamwork and cross-functional collaboration to drive brand success - Agile: The company embraces an agile work environment, with a focus on flexibility, adaptability, and continuous improvement - Data-driven: Coty uses data and analytics to inform decision-making and drive business impact Self-Assessment Questions: 1. Can you provide an example of a time when you took a calculated risk to drive innovation or growth in a previous role? 2. How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and consumer behavior in the beauty industry? 3. Can you describe a situation where you had to adapt quickly to a significant change or challenge in a previous role? How did you approach it, and what was the outcome? ❓ ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Coty's values and work style will thrive in this role and contribute to the company's continued success. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Market volatility: The beauty industry can be unpredictable, with shifting consumer preferences and market trends. This role requires the ability to adapt quickly to changes and pivot strategies as needed. 2. Global brand management: Balancing global brand guidelines with local market needs can be challenging. This role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with global and regional teams. 3. Cross-functional collaboration: Working with multiple teams and stakeholders can present unique challenges. Success in this role requires strong communication, project management, and stakeholder management skills. 4. Work-life balance: While Coty offers flexible work arrangements, the role may require occasional overtime or travel to meet business needs. ❓ ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment will excel in this role. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Category Growth Manager vs. Brand Manager: - Both roles focus on driving brand growth and success, but the Category Growth Manager has a broader scope, overseeing multiple brands within a category. - The Brand Manager is typically responsible for a single brand or product line. 2. Industry-specific context: - The beauty industry is highly competitive, with a constant influx of new products and trends. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive dynamics. 3. Career path comparison: - The Category Growth Manager role can serve as a stepping stone to senior leadership positions within Coty or related functions, such as global brand management or general management. - Alternatively, candidates may choose to specialize in category growth or transition to a related role, such as trade marketing or key account management. ❓ ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between similar roles and the unique aspects of the beauty industry will help candidates tailor their application and interview responses effectively. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Brand repositioning: Develop and execute a strategic plan to reposition an underperforming brand within the category, targeting a new consumer segment or market niche. 2. Product innovation: Lead the development and launch of a new product line or extension, leveraging market insights and consumer trends to drive category growth. 3. Trade promotion optimization: Analyze historical trade promotion data to identify opportunities for optimization, and implement changes to improve ROI and drive sales growth. ❓ ASSUMPTION: Familiarize yourself with Coty's brand portfolio and industry trends to generate relevant and impactful project ideas for the interview process. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Role responsibilities: Can you provide more details about the day-to-day responsibilities and priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days? 2. Team dynamics: How does the category growth team collaborate with other departments, such as sales, marketing, and finance? What is the team's culture like, and how do team members support each other's growth and development? 3. Brand portfolio: Can you share more information about the brands within the category and their unique positioning and target consumers? 4. Career growth: What opportunities are there for career progression within the category growth team or related functions at Coty? 5. Company culture: How does Coty's culture support work-life balance, and what resources are available to employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance? ❓ ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the company and team dynamics. 📌 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the following link: [Application Link] 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role. 3. Prepare for phone or video screening, on-site or virtual interviews, and final interviews with senior leadership. 4. Follow up with the hiring manager after each interview to reiterate your interest in the role and address any remaining questions or concerns. 5. If selected, complete the onboarding process and prepare for your first day in the role. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.