Junior Category Manager📣 Job Ad

About the Junior Category Manager Role

Arla Foods is seeking a strategic and insight-led Junior Category Manager to lead the development of the Spreadable category in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This full-time position is based in Riyadh and offers an opportunity to shape and accelerate the success of Arla's portfolio through data-driven strategies and cross-functional collaboration.

Role Context and Objectives

This role is integral to growing Arla’s Spreadable portfolio within Saudi Arabia. The Junior Category Manager will be responsible for supporting the creation and execution of local category strategies, developing actionable recommendations based on market insights, and working closely with commercial teams to enhance in-market performance. The position reports to the Category Senior Manager for the Spreadable Category.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of local category strategies for Puck Cheese Spreadable and future innovations across all key channels and customers.
• Translate shopper, consumer, and customer insights into actionable growth plans focused on penetration and market share acceleration.
• Drive the annual category planning process in partnership with Regional Marketing, Sales, and Finance teams.
• Oversee innovation planning and in-market execution for new product developments (NPDs).
• Collaborate with Customer Growth and NRM teams to develop compelling commercial narratives, initiatives, and toolkits that improve in-store performance.
• Manage the category P&L in conjunction with Finance, ensuring sound financial decision-making and scenario planning.
• Coach and influence internal stakeholders across various functions to champion the category and embed best practices.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in the FMCG sector, preferably in Category Development, Marketing, or Commercial roles.
• Proven experience in leading category strategies and cross-functional collaboration.
• Comfort navigating both strategic and operational aspects of the business.
• Solid understanding of category P&L dynamics.
• Excellent analytical capabilities and a clear bias for action.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to align stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Nielsen, shopper panels, or retail audit tools is considered a plus.
• Fluency in both English and Arabic is essential.

Work Environment and Location

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The role involves close collaboration with internal teams across marketing, sales, and finance.