Category Executive

Our story

Inspired by his travels and love of cooking, Charlie Bigham set up shop in 1996 with the sole aim of creating really delicious dishes for foodies – putting in all the care and attention that you would if you were to cook them yourself at home.

Now approaching our 25th anniversary, Charlie Bigham’s is the number one brand in the chilled prepared meal category. With over 50 recipes available in major supermarkets, our distinctive wooden trays and illustrated packaging make us instantly recognisable on-shelf.

Bigham’s has achieved impressive YOY growth since launch and we continue to grow in a sustainable way. We now employ over 650 people across two thriving kitchens in London and Somerset. We are a certified Great Place to Work and have achieved B-Corp status because it is the right thing to do for our business, for our consumers and for the planet.

And our award-winning company is still expanding, which is why we are searching for like-minded individuals who share our passion for the extraordinary, to help us deliver our food philosophy - Only Delicious Will Do. 

Who we’re looking for

• The Category Team sits right at the heart of Bigham’s, guiding our strategy and key commercial decisions through clear insight derived from a wealth of market data.
• The Category Executive will be responsible for owning and leading the development of key components of Bigham’s Category Strategy, which will help to shape the future direction of the business, including new markets, channels and categories.

The Category Executive is responsible for owning & analysing Bigham’s category data to develop insights & actionable recommendations that will drive future company growth. Working closely with Bigham’s Commercial, Marketing & Food Development teams, the Executive will deliver insights that support with range expansion & recipe innovation plans. The role has the opportunity to influence all elements of key commercial decision making – from what we sell, to where we sell it and who we target.

What you’d be doing

Reporting to the Category Manager, your main responsibilities will be around:

Category Reporting

1. Become an expert in the use & manipulation of Bigham’s market EPOS data (IRI) to report on key category metrics (sales, volume, pricing, market share, distribution & rate of sale).
2. Deliver weekly category updates by range and monthly performance reviews to support board meetings & ongoing ranging decisions.
3. Track and report on Bigham’s competitive performance by customer, category & range.

Commercial Insight Support

1. Develop and present category-based stories to support commercial sell in meetings.
2. Lead and manage the range review process by customer to support in the development of growth plans which unlock retailer & Bigham’s growth.
3. Work directly with customer category & ranging contacts to support with space, range, merchandising & promotional strategies that drive Bigham’s growth.

Marketing Insight Support

1. Become an expert in the use and manipulation of retailer shopper loyalty data platforms (e.g. Dunnhumby ¦ Nectar ¦ myWaitrose) to conduct shopper behavioural analyses.
2. Use shopper analyses to support with customer marketing activities & awareness building.
3. Provide category analysis & recommendations to Bigham’s Gatekeeping project funnel to support with new recipe development ideas & existing recipe improvement.

Category Strategy

1. Work cross-functionally & lead the analyses to support with the development of Bigham’s long term category vision & strategy.
2. Conduct category analysis to support commercial decision making, including ranging, merchandising, pricing & promotional plans.
3. Conduct category analysis to support marketing decision making, including category range expansion, future range/recipe ideas & shopper awareness/targeting tactics.

What you’ll bring to the table 

We are looking for someone who has a keen eye for detail and analysis. You will either have just graduated (or be graduating imminently) with a STEM or Business degree, or you’ll have up to 2 years work experience in a relevant role; ideally within the FMCG industry (Category, Marketing, Sales, or Commercial roles will all be considered).

We are looking for someone who is confident communicating with multiple stakeholders and able to present data in an engaging manner. You will also be comfortable working in a fast moving and agile environment. 

Requisite experience and skills for this role are:

• Recent or imminent graduate studying a STEM or Business degree
• 1 – 2 years’ experience in Category, Marketing, Sales, Commercial, Data or Shopper Insights roles; ideally in an FMCG environment, is a bonus but not required.
• Understanding or knowledge of retailer EPOS & Loyalty data platforms (e.g. IRI, Nielsen, Kantar, Dunnhumby, Nectar) is a bonus but not required.
• Familiar with the use & manipulation of large data sets
• Strong understanding of MS Excel Pivot Tables & PowerPoint
• Ability to turn data into exciting stories & present confidently to senior stakeholders
• Highly numerate & analytical

What we can offer you

First and foremost, we’re offering a fellow foodie the chance to join an innovative and fast-growing company that values and rewards the great people in its teams. You’ll receive a 360° Charlie Bigham’s induction, to understand how every department contributes to the business, plus a competitive salary.

We also offer a truly fantastic work space in Park Royal. 

Our London Kitchen is in an easily accessible location (just 15 minutes on the underground from Central London) with modern on-site facilities, and season ticket loans and a cycle-to-work scheme available to commuters.

Other benefits include:

• Monthly team incentives 
• Bonus
• Career support in creating an individual PDP via the Bigham’s Academy
• Pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Discounted gym membership 
• Bigham’s discounts for hundreds of popular retail and dining outlets

Given our passion for food, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we have a fantastic team cafeteria, serving fresh subsidised meals daily.  And you’ll even have the chance to take home lots of Charlie Bigham’s dishes to enjoy with family and friends. We also organise team outings, sporting tournaments and take part in community and charity events in London.

Strictly no agencies please, our chosen PSL partners will be contacted.