Senior Category Manager DACH

At Link Snacks , we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.

We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands, what you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar.

As part of the Link Snacks global enterprise, our team across EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) is focused on driving the growth of the real meat protein snack category with a strong emphasis on our brands: Jack Link’s (Beef Jerky, Biltong), Peperami , BiFi and Minuets . We operate through a network of regional offices and production sites across Europe in Germany, Netherlands and United Kingdom.

We’re not just about snacks; we’re driven by our core values: We team up, we tell it like it is, we own our game and shoot for the moon!

Job Description

We are looking for a new team member to join us as Category Manager for the DACH region! You will be part of an international team located in Netherlands, United Kingdom and Germany. With a wide range of stakeholders including Sales and our key external Retail Partners, you will be responsible for:

• Using market reports, EPOS, panel and customer loyalty card data to gain an understanding of market performance, the competitive landscape and providing insight which will inform range assortment, distribution, merchandising and promotional recommendations.
• Data crunching and internal KPI reporting to provide clear insight to business and the board on performance and key drivers of growth/decline of our brands and competitive set.
• Analyze and support the development of forward actions to drive performance relating to range, space, promotions and POS.
• Execute against the category vision and growth drivers and bring this through in all internal and external presentations.
• Develop a category relationship with our select key accounts and become the trusted advisor to land category growth for the customer and brand growth.
• Support in building shopper and insight led selling stories for NPD and distribution and be able to present them in front of retailer.
• Support in building priorities for sales and sales force (if applicable): perfect store, perfect shelf, displays, etc.

Qualifications

EU Citizenship and/or valid work permit is required. Please note that relocation assistance is not available for this position. All applications must be submitted in English, as it is the company’s corporate language.

• Min 5yrs relevant experience in FMCG/Food, in retail or manufacturing companies.
• Having worked in the local grocery market with knowledge of trade environment.
• Proficient experience with data tools (Nielsen/Circana, GfK, Customer loyalty platforms).
• Knowledge/experience in merchandising/space planning advantageous.
• Be an analytical thinker, comfortable with large data sets.
• Curious and eager to learn with a ‘hands on mentality’ to get things done.
• A storyteller, with a passion for converting data into actionable insight through clear, compelling stories.
• A relationship builder, the ability to effectively collaborate and build rapport with cross-functional teams and external partner.
• English and German is mandatory.

Additional Information

Our benefits

• A permanent employment contract with competitive salary and an excellent bonus scheme (above market).
• In addition to public holidays, you will benefit from 30 days of paid annual leave to rest, recharge, and maintain a healthy work–life balance.
• Hybrid working model: 3 days from our office in Düsseldorf and 2 home office days.
• Company Pension Scheme.
• Health Benefits.
• Bicycle Leasing Program.
• Company Doctor, access professional medical support for your health and well-being whenever you need.
• Enjoy nutritious meals at a reduced cost in our cantina to keep you energized throughout the day.
• You will be part of a vibrant, dynamic and international team! Throughout the year, we organize a variety of team activities and initiatives designed to strengthen collaboration, encourage knowledge sharing, and foster a strong sense of belonging.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.