Head of Category

For more than several decades, our client has been a proudly Australian, privately owned food business with a strong reputation for quality, consistency and service. Supplying well‑known products across retail, foodservice, QSR and industrial channels , the business is highly respected and continues to enjoy growth. As the company prepares for an exciting new phase, an exceptional opportunity has emerged for a senior FMCG leader to build, shape and lead a sophisticated Category, Innovation and Marketing function from the ground up . This is a rare greenfield role where you will have the autonomy, backing and strategic influence to develop the category function and leave a genuine legacy. The Role Reporting to the Commercial Director, the General Manager – Category & Marketing will drive growth through the development and execution of category strategies, brand plans and innovation programs across the entire portfolio. You will assess the broader market and business opportunities building a category management framework including resources required, to inform brand and innovation strategies that feed into profitable and sustained commercial outcomes. Key Responsibilities Lead the end‑to‑end creation of Category Strategy across all business channels, supported by robust data, insights and analysis. Own the annual brand planning process , modernising and elevating brand presence and relevance. Lead the innovation function to build and deliver a strong NPD pipeline aligned to category and brand strategies. Drive shopper, channel, competitor and customer insights to support category growth and commercial decision‑making. Manage and facilitate cross‑functional alignment to ensure strategic clarity and actionable business outcomes. Lead range reviews with customer teams, setting objectives and delivering compelling category‑driven selling stories. Develop deep consumer, shopper, customer and competitor insights to build category management capability. Contribute to the annual Commercial Plan from category vision through to sales implementation. Own the Portfolio Management Review within the S&OP process. Deliver high‑quality marketing outputs across all customer and consumer touchpoints. About You You will thrive in an environment where you can build, develop and influence. You are commercially minded, strategically sharp and passionate about category growth and innovation. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or related discipline. Leadership experience in FMCG category management and marketing Proven leadership capability and experience managing teams. Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into strategy. A track record of successful innovation development and delivery . Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills. Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment. Strong customer relationship management and cross‑functional collaboration skills. Creative thinking, problem‑solving ability and adaptability. Why Join? Opportunity to build a function from the ground up Privately owned business with a long, proud history Significant autonomy and influence in shaping strategic direction Broad exposure across retail, foodservice, QSR and industrial channels A leadership role with genuine impact To apply Toapply forthis position, please send your resume in word format to Carrera by clicking apply. For an initial confidential discussion please call Michael Floyd on ***. Only applications from Australian & New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and those holding valid visas allowing them to work in Australia will be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr