Category Manager (MRO, Indirects and Packaging)

Come and join the leading #avoexperts 🥑

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

We’re looking for a European Category Manager to join our team in Europe on a permanent basis. We are open to the location of the successful person, but you must be within commutable distance to one of the three following offices in the UK (Kings Hill, or Spalding) or Munich, Germany. Please note we cannot hire this position outside of these areas due to work load.

As European Category Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in driving category growth and enhancing performance across all non-fruit categories. You'll work closely with key customers, developing and implementing innovative strategies. By acting as a trusted advisor, you'll build strong relationships and identify growth opportunities. Your expertise will be essential in supporting Westfalia Fruit's commercial growth objectives. Domestic and international travel will be required to support customer and business operations across Europe.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and lead the category vision for the avocado and value-added product lines across key European growth markets.
• Lead the development of the short and long-term category agenda in alignment with Westfalia’s growth plans, ensuring its execution with customers.
• Translate category insights into actionable recommendations for customers, helping drive category growth through assortment optimisation, shelving strategies, and promotional effectiveness.
• Present category strategies and business reviews to customers, demonstrating growth possibilities for both the category and Westfalia products.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure the alignment of category initiatives with overall business objectives.
• Lead the category development agenda for innovation projects, working with cross-functional teams to introduce new products and improve category offerings.
• Set the agenda for category growth, ensuring the flawless execution of category projects in collaboration with sales and commercial teams.
• Develop customer-specific planograms and assortment strategies, working closely with space management teams.