On Trade Category Manager

Visit www.campariuk.com to find out more about the company and range of brands or follow Campari Group UK on Instagram or Twitter at @CampariGroupUK. 

Role Overview 

Campari Group is looking for an On Trade Category Manager to join the Category and Insight Team based in Great Portland Street, London, United Kingdom. 

As an On Trade Category Manager at Campari UK, you’ll work in partnership with the Category & Insight Controller to deliver actionable insight and recommendations to the business and our partners, to help realise Campari’s growth ambitions within the UK. You will be responsible for identifying trends, behaviours and whitespace opportunities with the UK evolving hospitality landscape, turning complex data into compelling narratives that drive customer and channel strategies. The role includes delivering regular and continuous updates on category & business performance across the On Trade, internal and externally, reviewing competitor & market segment performance, supporting key stakeholders with relevant market data & overseeing the development of an internal reporting suite that empowers fellow Camparistas.  

We are looking for a dynamic individual with the ability to thrive in an agile and fast-paced environment who has bundles of enthusiasm and ambition to succeed and help us build our wonderful portfolio of brands. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, have strong analytical skills, and the ability to work with and influence key stakeholders across several cross-functional teams. The candidate will also be responsible for managing agency relationships. 

The candidate ideal will have category management experience, strong analytical skills and a strategic mindset, . 

The successful candidate will report into the Category & Insights Controller. 

Key Responsibilities and Activities 

Build and Establish Relationships with Key On Trade Customers 

• Lead the Category Agenda: Position Campari UK as trusted advisors with an impartial approach, strengthening ties with key customers' buying and category teams. 

• Create Actionable Insights: Drive category growth for both Campari and our customers, ensuring customer plans align with category benefits. 

• Be a Thought Leader: Ensure Campari UK is seen as a leader in the spirits industry, providing strong category insights and market trends 

Drive Strategic Insights and Opportunities 

• Identify and Analyse Key Issues: Collaborate with stakeholders and agencies to analyse channel issues and conduct annual reviews of category and channel opportunities. 

• Data-Driven Recommendations: Use CGA data to support category and brand strategies, providing insights that influence commercial, brand, and CCM teams. 

• Develop Strategic Plans: Support the category vision, rooted in consumer and market data, identifying and developing opportunities for mutual growth and addressing specific channel or customer challenges. 

• Support Performance Reviews: Assist with reviews on performance, strategy, and insights. 

Deliver Continuous Insights and Recommendations 

• Champion On Trade Needs: Advocate for the unique needs of the On Trade channel, providing key insights to enhance strategy and knowledge. 

• Performance Updates and Analysis: Deliver updates and drive growth recommendations, leading ongoing analysis of brand and company performance. 

• Manage Reporting Structure: Oversee internal reporting for market and category data, training the On Trade team to access and utilize insights. 

• Rapid Responses: Provide quick and accurate data responses to senior management. 

Key Relationships 

Reporting Lines: 

• Reports to Category & Insights Controller 

Other Internal Relationships: 

• Brand Marketing 

• Customer Marketing Managers (On Trade) 

• National Bartender Advocacy Manager 

• On Trade Commercial Team 

• Regional & UK Consumer Insights Controllers 

External Relationships: 

• Research & Insight Agencies 

• Management Consultancies 

• Data, Analytics, and Insight Partners (i.e. CGA, Proof, Kantar, etc.) 

Experience and Skills 

Experience Required: 

• Minimum two years experience in a research/analytical insight role – ideally with FMCG/BWS experience (manufacturer, agency or retailer)  

• Proven problem solving skills, coupled with structural thinking, and strong analytical abilities 

• Good understanding of category management principles 

•  Prefered knowledge of the BWS On trade market Ability to understand, cut-through, and combine numerous pieces of data, then use judgement and experience to make effective decisions when there is a lot of uncertainty/ambiguity 

• Ability to analyse complicated information rapidly, identify risks & opportunities, and explain complex issues simply. Study the broad picture and pick out key details – ‘make the complicated simple’ 

• Gravitas, confidence, and leadership skills to challenge and influence at all levels of the business 

• The ability to work in cross functional teams on both small & large scale projects 

• Compelling communicator - able to utilise a range of styles in both written and verbal; including story telling 

• Personal resilience and able to work under pressure with tight deadlines 

• Proven ability to work as part of a team 

Functional Skills: 

•  Data literate with experience using multiples data sources such as CGA Answers, Kantar, Proof and their platforms. Strong analytical & reporting skills 

• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written presentation skills) with the ability to distil and bring complex data alive