Category Manager – Stuart Alexander & Co
Location: Pyrmont, NSW
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Us
At the Stuart Alexander & Co, we are one of Australia's largest privately‐owned FMCG companies, importing, marketing, and distributing premium brands including Chupa Chups, Mentos, Tabasco, Biscoff & Hershey's. We are passionate about building long‐term brand equity and delivering exceptional value to our customers. Everything we do is grounded in a strong set of values that encourage bold thinking, accountability, collaboration, clear communication, and genuine care – for our people, our partners, and our brands.
The Role
As Category Manager – Confectionery, you will lead category strategy, performance and capability across all channels, driving sustainable growth for both the business and our brand partners. You will own the development and execution of total category strategies that align shopper, customer and commercial priorities. Combining strong analytical capability with strategic thinking, you will translate complex data into clear commercial direction and elevate the role of Category within the organisation.
Working closely with Sales, Marketing, Shopper, Supply Chain and Finance, you will influence decision‐making at senior levels, lead medium‐term planning processes, and drive initiatives that improve portfolio performance and ways of working.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Portfolio Leadership
* Develop and lead total Confectionery category strategies across all channels (Grocery, P&C, Impulse and Mass).
* Drive proactive portfolio management including PMR, RGM input, range optimisation and performance improvement initiatives.
* Lead customer range reviews, category resets and commercial planning cycles with robust, data‐led recommendations.
* Develop compelling, insight‐driven category stories for internal leadership and external retail partners.
* Support medium‐term planning including forecasting & demand alignment, cost‐price management, and seasonal event planning.
* Identify risks and opportunities across the portfolio and provide clear strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders.
Data, Insights & Capability Ownership
* Own the consumer data & analytics program, including budget management, and act as the primary day‐to‐day contact for data and insights partners.
* Leverage multiple data sources (scan, panel, shopper, loyalty) to deliver holistic insights and forward‐looking recommendations.
* Improve operating practices through process refinement, reporting automation and enhancement of analytical tools.
* Partner with the Transformation team to embed scalable reporting and insight frameworks.
* Ensure consistent measurement of performance across distribution, pricing, promotion, market share and ROI metrics.
Cross‐Functional Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives
* Partner with Sales, Marketing, Shopper and Supply Chain to align category strategy with brand priorities and commercial execution.
* Play a leading role in delivering strategic initiatives that elevate Category's influence within the organisation.
* Support innovation and NPD planning through clear channel and shopper role definition.
* Drive cross‐departmental collaboration to improve clarity, prioritisation and execution.
Execution & Reporting
* Prepare and present performance reviews to internal leadership and external stakeholders.
* Track and interpret key category metrics to inform trading decisions and strategic pivots.
* Lead key category projects from concept through implementation, ensuring commercial impact and sustainable process improvements.
* Manage, coach and develop a Category Analyst (shared resource), supporting capability uplift and prioritisation.
* Contribute to building a high‐performance Category function with structured processes and best‐practice ways of working.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking a commercially astute and strategically minded Category Manager who thrives in a fast‐paced FMCG environment and enjoys influencing both internally and externally.
* 5+ years' experience in Category Management, Commercial Insights or Trade Marketing within FMCG
* Demonstrated experience leading customer‐facing category strategy in Australian Grocery
* Strong commercial acumen with proven ability to influence senior stakeholders
* Advanced analytical capability with experience using scan, panel and shopper data
* Experience leading cross‐functional projects and driving organisational change
* High proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; experience with Power BI or similar tools preferred
* Confectionery or high‐impulse category experience desirable
Why Join Us
* Hybrid work options (Tuesdays & Fridays WFH)
* Vibrant Pyrmont location close to cafes, transport & the harbour
* Career development opportunities across a growing business
* Regular team events, training sessions & social initiatives
* Work with iconic global brands in a colourful, fast‐paced industry
How To Apply
If you're excited about leading category strategy across a portfolio of globally recognised brands and shaping the future of Confectionery in Australia, we'd love to hear from you. Click 'Apply Now' to submit your application.
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