Category & Shopper Strategy Lead OHC (m/w/d)

Welcome to Haleon. We’re a purpose-driven, world-class consumer company putting everyday health in the hands of millions. In just three years since our launch, we’ve grown, evolved and are now entering an exciting new chapter – one filled with bold ambitions and enormous opportunity.

Our trusted portfolio of brands – including Sensodyne®, Panadol®, Advil®, Voltaren®, Theraflu®, Otrivin®, and Centrum® – lead in resilient and growing categories. What sets us apart is our unique blend of deep human understanding and trusted science.

Now it’s time to fully realise the full potential of our business and our people. We do this through our Win as One strategy. It puts our purpose – to deliver better everyday health with humanity – at the heart of everything we do. It unites us, inspires us, and challenges us to be better every day, driven by our agile, performance-focused culture.

Role overview

We are looking for an experienced leader to cover a 12-month parental leave, to drive Haleon’s go-to-market strategy for the Mass Market Channel in Germany & Austria. This is a high-impact role at the heart of our Commercial Team, combining strategic thinking, category expertise, customer focus and people leadership. As a strong people leader they will develop, coach and guide their team to deliver.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a winning 1–3 year channel and category strategy for the Mass Market in Germany & Austria.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with key stakeholders from Net Revenue Management, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, and Consumer Insights to build aligned activation plans.
• Represent the voice of the customer, shaping shopper-centric strategies that unlock sustainable growth for both Haleon and our key partners.
• Lead a strong and experienced team of :10 in Shopper/Trade Marketing and Category Management – including mentoring interns and Future Leaders.
• Create compelling commercial stories and own the annual planning process, from promo calendar to brand/SKU mix and assortment strategy.
• Drive category and brand growth, backed by shopper insights, market knowledge and clear execution plans.
• Co-lead innovation assessment, helping cross-functional teams understand market opportunity and product/channel fit.
• Lead the annual promotion strategy, in close collaboration with Net Revenue Management and Sales – always with a sharp eye on ROI and long-term category value.
• Oversee Point of Sale materials and agency collaborations, ensuring impactful, efficient execution at shelf.
• Inspire internal and external stakeholders, positioning Haleon as a trusted, growth-driving partner in the Mass Market.

Team Leadership

• Coach, develop and empower a high-performing team across Shopper, Trade Marketing and Category Management.
• Build a culture of collaboration, knowledge sharing and ownership.
• Foster cross-functional ways of working – e.g. through Go-To-Market or customer squads.
• Celebrate success, drive motivation and support career development.
• Champion Haleon’s values and lead with humanity and integrity.

Your Profile

• University degree in business, marketing, economics or related field
• 10+ years of relevant experience in FMCG or Consumer Healthcare
• Strong expertise in Category Management & Shopper/Trade Marketing
• Proven leadership experience in functional teams and matrix organisations
• Track record of building strong retailer partnerships and driving mutual growth
• Strong project management and execution skills across diverse stakeholder groups
• Strategic and analytical mindset with deep understanding of shopper behaviour and channel dynamics
• Fluent in German and English (written & spoken)

Our Benefits

• Join a dynamic team in an inspiring and international environment, right in the heart of Munich. Embrace our engaging culture of open, direct communication, or "Du-Kultur," while working in a central location.
• Enjoy the flexibility of remote work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Our hybrid model allows employees to work from the office three days per week, with the option to work from home as needed. Additionally, you can work up to 10 days per year from abroad, and our flexible time-tracking models provide even more freedom.
• Competitive salary aligned with the collective agreement, plus a performance-based bonus, at least 30 vacation days, special leave for important occasions, holiday pay, an annual bonus, and a company pension plan.
• Flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package supporting mothers, fathers, and same-sex couples in family planning. After birth, employees are entitled to family-friendly time off, a birth allowance, a childcare subsidy, and access to emergency childcare services.
• Health and well-being benefits including vaccinations, regular product access, and sports-related perks, plus corporate discounts and a subsidised canteen with healthy meals.
• Extensive training opportunities, including leadership, business skills, and technical competencies. Access to our own "Mini-MBA" program at no cost.
• Mobility support with a travel allowance, free underground parking in Munich, and a "Lease-a-bike" program.

Important notices

Job Posting End Date:

Equal Opportunities: Haleon is committed to mobilising our purpose in a way that represents diverse consumers and communities. We are dedicated to an inclusive culture where different backgrounds and views are valued and respected.

Adjustment or Accommodations Request: If you require a reasonable adjustment or accommodation to apply for a job at Haleon, please let your recruiter know with a description of the adjustments you are requesting. We will provide reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process.

Note to candidates: The Haleon recruitment team will contact you using a Haleon email account (@haleon.com).