Category Development Manager County Meath We are seeking a commercially focused Category Development Managerwith strong FMCG experience, particularly within brand planning and retail dynamics across the Irish market.
This role requires someone skilled in relationship development, commercially astute, and experienced in working with distributors and major retailers.
Package & Benefits: 25 days annual leave Healthcare option Matched contribution pension Full-time role Salary: DOE (€55k€70k) Location: Ashbourne (Hybrid; approx. 3 days in office with flexibility) Key Responsibilities: Develop and execute annual Commercial Growth Plans in collaboration with Brand Partners.
Set KPI targets for sales teams, track performance, and lead regular business and performance reviews.
Lead Category Growth Workshops and In-store Safaris to identify new opportunities across existing and developing channels.
Manage and optimise trade spend to ensure strong ROI and sustainable category expansion.
Develop and support range, pricing, and commercial strategies with both Brand Partners and retail customers.
Implement product and range rationalisation where required to drive profitable long-term growth.
Communicate commercial plans clearly to internal commercial teams and field sales.
Track progress against objectives and ensure all elements of the plan are delivered effectively.
Support retailer sell-in of category initiatives in conjunction with Brand Partners and the Commercial Team.
Lead monthly Category Forecast Reviews with customers and the Demand Planning Team to ensure accurate supply and demand alignment.
Review base and promotional performance data, using insights to refine future plans and forecasting.
Manage stock levels to maintain high service standards while minimising excess or slow-moving stock.
Oversee NPD performance reviews and coordinate associated logistics requirements.
Skills & Experience Required: Minimum 7 years experience in sales, buying, brand management, or a similar FMCG role within the Irish market.
Strong understanding of Irish grocery retail and distributor dynamics.
Proven ability to build and maintain strong internal and external relationships.
Excellent commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and strategic thinking.
Highly analytical, with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable commercial plans.
Results-focused with experience working cross-functionally to deliver shared goals.
Strong organisational and planning skills, able to manage multiple projects concurrently.
Proactive mindset with the ability to plan 12 months ahead and work independently.
No formal qualifications required; proven track record and strong distributor/retailer relationships are essential.
The position involves supporting a portfolio of Brand Partners, developing commercial strategies, and ensuring effective planning and execution across pricing, budgets, and annual growth plans.
This is an insights-driven and planning-focused role, with responsibility for setting KPIs for sales teams and ensuring accountability for delivery.
This role sits within an organisation with a long-established presence across the Irish and UK retail sectors.
The business provides full turnkey services for a range of well-known consumer brands across categories such as household, health, personal care, and beverages.
Most clients are UK-based, so the role is hybrid with regular office attendance.
For more information please apply through the link provided for the attention of David McCoy or email David at david.mcco call Osborne Recruitment on If you are interested in finding out more about the above role and would like to be considered other suitable roles that we may have available for your skill set please attach your CV via the link provided.
Please submit your updated CV in Word Format If you are living in Ireland and hold a valid work permit, we would love to hear from you, if however you do not hold a valid work permit unfortunately we will not be in a position to assist you with your job search.
#INDMCCOY #INDOSB1