Category Director

Every day, our mission is to make sure that pets enjoy an active life, for their whole life.

We are the experts in scientifically backed pet supplements with the UK’s No.1 joint supplement brand, YuMOVE, now supporting well over 1 million dogs.

We are ambitious in our mission and operate a fast-paced business. Our track record demonstrates just that with sales doubling over the last 2 years. We are on a journey to be the best known and most trusted dog mobility brand in the world and that takes focus, dedication and energy.

This Role...

In this role you will develop a strong category, product & commercial strategies through the development and application of high-quality data & insight – supported by in-house & agency teams.

What you need to deliver...

• Oversee the development of consumer and category insight roadmaps that enable the business to make better decisions around core, new business and NPI. Lead on strategic research projects when necessary, including the approval of key research briefs.

• Lead strategic portfolio development to drive improved sales and profit returns – including definition/evolution of product and pricing architecture, channel strategy, core ranging, new product opportunities, channel/product mix, and margin improvement programmes.

• Develop & execute clear commercial strategies around sales fundamentals (esp. price and promotion tactics - % depth, frequency, RRP, channel deltas, etc.) that give commercial teams executional clarity, while maximising commercial return. Lead recommendations on cost price increases.

• Drive product and pack improvements through the business at all times to ensure we stay ahead of competition – including product superiority, product & marketing claims, pack tech and artwork improvements.

• Create brand success in Retail through the development of winning retailer presentations and plans that drive increased distribution gains and ROS through a vibrant shopper marketing presence. Use Director position to influence positive outcomes with retailers.

• Influence future NPI direction through collaboration with the R&D team to create winning products and propositions that both the trade wants to sell, and customers want to buy in all key markets, customers, and channels. Key stakeholder in developing a vibrant NPI pipeline that can help reach more dogs and cats than ever before. Key collaboration with commercial leads and CVO (Chief Veterinary Officer).

• Full commercial responsibility to deliver NPI sales vs Gate targets across key sales channels.

• Accelerate US growth via successful portfolio development/NPI, supported by the relevant consumer and category insight.

• Ensure brilliant reporting basics are implemented on weekly & monthly KPI tracking across the business e.g., market share, competitor activity, market pricing/promo, NPI performance, etc.

• Lead a successful and engaged team to deliver on respective areas and combine to ensure success through winning category and brand plans. Responsible for collective output and team engagement.

• Insight – inc. quant/qual research techniques & methodologies e.g., concept development, pack/comms research, TURF analysis, etc.

• MS&P/RGM e.g., product/price/promo/channel strategy, margin improvement, CPI delivery, pack/price architecture, range segmentation, SKU rationalisation, margin improvement, etc.

• Innovation: strategic NPD & EPD - inc. gate process, proposition development/commercialisation, launch, in-market tracking

• Category Management with track record of demonstrable success in UK retail (ideally also in Global/International)

• Brand / Product Management

What you need to succeed….

• Past experience in 3 / 5 of the following roles desired:

• Ability to work internationally – UK, US, ROW – and across traditional B2B plus DTC

• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment, such as a start-up / scale-up business

• Established line management experience

• Part of a leadership team

• Data-driven, analytical

• Able to organise and prioritise effectively

• Strong strategically and operationally

• Action-focused

• Clear objective setter

• Role model ownership principles

• Strong leader & team player

• Tenacious in putting the customer first internally

• Strong relationship builder and influencer

• Committed to developing yourself and your team

• Genuine passion for pet health and a willingness to go the extra mile to make a difference

What we can offer….

• Hybrid working

• Private Healthcare- includes Dental and Optical

• Pension- Matched contributions up to 8% of salary

• Holiday 33 days including BH and up to 5 unpaid

• Parental Leave- Enhanced

• Paid day off for your birthday

• Company paid summer and winter party

• Retail discount Scheme (Perkbox)

• Subsidised subscription

• Dogs can come to work

Lintbells is an equal opportunities employer and values equity, inclusion, and diversity. We welcome people of different nationalities, backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, abilities, and perspectives.

We commit to continuing to build a more diverse workforce, which is inclusive and supportive for every individual.