📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Head of Category Management - Brand (m/w/d)
🔹 Company: Sofidel Group
🔹 Location: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
🔹 Job Type: Temporary, Full-time, Office-based
🔹 Category: Paper and Forest Product Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-30
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing category strategies aligned with business priorities and marketing plans
- Collaborating with the central marketing department to execute strategies
- Leading the Category Manager - Brand and supporting the Field Sales Manager and Country Sales Manager
- Analyzing market data and providing recommendations for product and innovation plans
- Defining partnership programs, general advertising strategies, and product range extension strategies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Propose and implement category strategies aligned with business priorities, marketing plans, and customer action plans
✅ Develop the annual marketing plan based on business priorities and central marketing goals
✅ Collaborate with the central marketing department to execute strategies
✅ Share market information and provide recommendations for product and innovation plans
✅ Define partnership programs, general advertising strategies, and product range extension strategies and priorities
✅ Develop state-of-the-art trade stories content and 'go2market' strategies on brochures, sampling actions, and in-store and online material to support sales teams
✅ Approve various customized consumer actions to ensure they align with business priorities and customer expectations
✅ Define in-store and online material strategies to improve product visibility
✅ Support the Field Sales Manager and Country Sales Manager
✅ Provide hierarchical and disciplinary leadership to the Category Manager - Brand
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical execution, and team leadership. Strong project management skills are essential.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field
Experience: 4-5 years of experience in FMCG marketing, trade marketing, or category management
Required Skills:
- Strong analytical skills and ability to work with data
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Fluency in German and English
- Proven leadership skills
- Strong project management skills
- Knowledge of the German retail landscape
- Proficiency in MS Office
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with Nielsen IQ/Discover
- Knowledge of the Sofidel Group or similar organizations
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong academic background, relevant work experience, and a proven track record in category management or a related field are preferred.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: €55,000 - €70,000 per year (estimate based on market research and company size)
Benefits:
- Flexible working hours
- Professional development opportunities
- Free access to online language courses
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and the possibility of remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on market research and the company's size. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The Sofidel Group is a world leader in the manufacture of paper for hygienic and domestic use. The paper industry is essential for daily life and has a significant impact on the environment, making sustainability a critical focus for the company.
Company Size: With over 6,800 employees and a presence in 13 countries, the Sofidel Group is a large organization that offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: The Sofidel Group was founded in 1966 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry.
Company Description:
- The Sofidel Group is committed to reducing its environmental impact and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
- The company offers a range of well-known brands, including Regina, Sopalin, Le Trèfle, Hakle, and Softis
- The Sofidel Group is active in 12 European countries and the United States, with over 9,000 employees and a production capacity of 1,852,000 metric tons per year
Company Specialties:
- Manufacturing of paper for hygienic and domestic use
- Sustainability and environmental responsibility
- Global operations and distribution
Company Website: http://www.sofidel.com
ASSUMPTION: The Sofidel Group is a well-established company with a strong commitment to sustainability and a global presence. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic and international environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the management level, requiring strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to make data-driven decisions.
Reporting Structure: The Head of Category Management - Brand will report directly to the Marketing Director and will have one direct report, the Category Manager - Brand.
Work Arrangement: This role is office-based, with the possibility of remote work and flexible hours.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior marketing or management role within the Sofidel Group
- Expansion of responsibilities based on performance and business needs
- Opportunities to work on international projects and gain global experience
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Sofidel Group's office in Cologne is a modern, professional environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.
Office Location(s): Ebertplatz 23, 50668 Cologne, Germany
Geographic Context:
- Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany and is known for its vibrant cultural scene, historic architecture, and bustling business district
- The city is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to commute from nearby neighborhoods or suburbs
- Cologne offers a high quality of life, with numerous parks, museums, and recreational activities
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and the possibility of remote work
ASSUMPTION: The office environment at the Sofidel Group is designed to support productivity and collaboration, with a focus on employee well-being and work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call interview with the HR department
- On-site interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Industry knowledge and understanding of the German retail landscape
- Cultural fit and alignment with Sofidel Group values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Sofidel Group's business and the category management function
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in category management or a related field
- Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application
ATS Keywords: Category Management, Marketing, Trade Marketing, FMCG, German Retail Landscape, Nielsen IQ/Discover, MS Office, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Project Management
ASSUMPTION: The Sofidel Group's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the candidate and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Nielsen IQ/Discover
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
ASSUMPTION: The Sofidel Group provides its employees with the necessary tools and technologies to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer focus
- Innovation and continuous improvement
- Responsibility and sustainability
- Integrity and transparency
- Collaboration and teamwork
Work Style:
- Results-driven and performance-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Collaborative and team-focused
- Adaptable and flexible
- Customer-centric and customer-focused
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong customer focus and a passion for driving results?
- Are you comfortable working with data and using it to make informed decisions?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative and team-oriented environment?
- Are you adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic and changing work environment?
- Do you share the Sofidel Group's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility?
ASSUMPTION: The Sofidel Group values a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require frequent travel to other Sofidel Group locations or customer sites
- The pace of work may be fast and demanding, with tight deadlines and competing priorities
- The role may require working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders with varying priorities and expectations
- The German retail landscape is dynamic and competitive, with a constant need to adapt and innovate
ASSUMPTION: The Head of Category Management - Brand role presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring a proactive and adaptable approach to succeed.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other category management roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work in a global organization with a strong commitment to sustainability and a presence in multiple countries
- In the paper industry, the Sofidel Group is a leading player with a strong brand and a reputation for innovation and quality
- Career progression in category management typically follows a path from junior to senior roles, with opportunities to specialize in specific product categories or retail channels
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique combination of global exposure, sustainability focus, and career growth potential within the category management function.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a new category strategy for a key product line, resulting in increased sales and market share
- Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the German retail landscape and identifying new opportunities for growth and expansion
- Leading a cross-functional team to develop and launch a new product line, from market research and concept development to in-store execution and post-launch evaluation
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the Head of Category Management - Brand, requiring a diverse skill set and a strategic approach.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's long-term vision for the category management function and how this role fits into that vision?
- How does the Sofidel Group support the professional development and growth of its category management team members?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will my performance be measured against those priorities?
- How does the Sofidel Group approach sustainability and environmental responsibility in its operations and supply chain?
- What is the dynamic like between the Head of Category Management - Brand and the Category Manager - Brand, and how does the Sofidel Group support effective teamwork and collaboration?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the Sofidel Group, and provides valuable insights into the company's culture and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link: https://careers.sofidel.com/job/Cologne-Head-of-Category-Management-Brand-Nort-D-50668/819527102/
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in category management or a related field
- Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your relevant experience, skills, and career goals, as well as your understanding of the Sofidel Group and the category management function
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
