Category Development manager

Category Development Manager

Location: Ashbourne | Hybrid | Reporting To: Head of Function

Role Overview

Commercially driven Category Development Manager responsible for leading a portfolio of Prestige Beauty brand partners, delivering category growth, KPI performance, and strategic planning across the Irish retail landscape.

Acts as the primary brand partner contact, driving Commercial Growth Plans, forecasting, trade spend optimisation, and cross-functional execution to achieve sustainable sales and margin growth.

Key Responsibilities

Category Growth & Planning

• Develop and deliver annual Commercial Growth Plans (CGPs)
• Set, track, and review KPIs (sales, margin, market share, distribution)
• Lead business reviews, growth workshops, and store visits

Trade Spend & Commercial Performance

• Manage and optimise trade spend to maximise ROI
• Evaluate promotional performance and investment effectiveness

Range, Pricing & Category Strategy

• Lead range reviews, assortment planning, and price pack architecture (PPA)
• Implement SKU rationalisation and pricing strategies to drive profitability

Retailer Engagement & Execution

• Support sell-in of category initiatives with retailers
• Ensure clear communication and execution across commercial and field teams

Forecasting & Demand Planning

• Lead monthly forecast reviews with Demand Planning and customers
• Manage forecast accuracy, stock levels, and inventory performance
• Apply learnings from base and promotional performance

NPD & Performance Management

• Oversee NPD tracking, launches, and performance reviews
• Coordinate supply chain alignment and product lifecycle execution

Key Accountabilities

• Delivery of sales, margin, and category growth targets
• Achievement of KPI and trade spend ROI targets
• Improved forecast accuracy and inventory control
• Strong brand partner and retailer relationships
• Successful execution of growth plans and NPD launches

kills & Experience

• 7+ years in Category, Sales, Buying, or Brand Management (Beauty/FMCG)
• Strong knowledge of Irish grocery & beauty retail sector
• Proven success in commercial planning, forecasting, and trade spend management
• Strong analytical, financial, and Excel skills
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing ability

Desirable: Prestige beauty experience, category management principles, NPD exposure

Core Competencies

Category Strategy | Trade Spend | Forecasting | Data Analysis | Stakeholder Management | Commercial Acumen | Planning & Execution

Ideal Candidate

A strategic, data-driven category professional who excels at driving growth, managing brand partnerships, and delivering commercial results in a fast-paced beauty or FMCG environment.