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
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Develop and deliver annual Commercial Growth Plans (CGPs)
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Set, track, and review KPIs (sales, margin, market share, distribution)
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Lead business reviews, growth workshops, and store visits
Trade Spend & Commercial Performance
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Manage and optimise trade spend to maximise ROI
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Evaluate promotional performance and investment effectiveness
Range, Pricing & Category Strategy
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Lead range reviews, assortment planning, and price pack architecture (PPA)
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Implement SKU rationalisation and pricing strategies to drive profitability
Retailer Engagement & Execution
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Support sell-in of category initiatives with retailers
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Ensure clear communication and execution across commercial and field teams
Forecasting & Demand Planning
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Lead monthly forecast reviews with Demand Planning and customers
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Manage forecast accuracy, stock levels, and inventory performance
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Apply learnings from base and promotional performance
NPD & Performance Management
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Oversee NPD tracking, launches, and performance reviews
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Coordinate supply chain alignment and product lifecycle execution
Key Accountabilities
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Delivery of sales, margin, and category growth targets
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Achievement of KPI and trade spend ROI targets
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Improved forecast accuracy and inventory control
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Strong brand partner and retailer relationships
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Successful execution of growth plans and NPD launches
kills & Experience
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7+ years in Category, Sales, Buying, or Brand Management (Beauty/FMCG)
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Strong knowledge of Irish grocery & beauty retail sector
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Proven success in commercial planning, forecasting, and trade spend management
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Strong analytical, financial, and Excel skills
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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.
