Job Specifications
Date: 7 Mar 2026
Location:
Hemel Hempstead - Breakspear P, GB, HP2 4TZ
Head of Commercial & Category Strategy
Job Title: Head of Commercial & Category Strategy
Location: Hemel Hempstead – Hybrid role
Job Length: Permanent
Working Hours: Monday – Friday (37.5 hours per week)
Competitive Salary With Extensive Benefits
Monthly product allowance – alcoholic & non-alcoholic options available
Private Medical options
Life Assurance
Company bonus scheme
Access to 24/7 GP services
Enhanced pension contribution
Generous holiday (inc bank holidays)
Access to a range of high street discounts
Carlsberg Britvic is the largest multi-beverage supplier in the UK and is home to some of the most iconic and popular beers & soft drinks, including Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, 1664, Poretti and Brooklyn to ale favourites such as Hobgoblin and Wainwright.
For soft drinks, Carlsberg Britvic’s brands include J2O, Robinsons, Tango and London Essence along with the licence rights to the Pepsi portfolio in the UK including Pepsi MAX, 7UP, Lipton Iced Tea and Rockstar Energy.
With a strong national footprint, the Carlsberg Britvic business includes 5 production facilities and 15 logistics depot’s servicing customers up and down the UK. As these two historical businesses have come together, the one common goal remains, and that is ensuring our people succeed.
About This Role
The Head of Commercial Strategy & Category Vision is responsible for leading the development of the three year commercial and category strategy for the business.With this agreed, they are then accountable for the translation of this into a compelling narrative (internally and externally), supporting the communication of this, and continuously reviewing the assumptions which underpinned this strategy to determine if it requires update of revision both in and at the end of year.
The Commercial Strategy & Planning team own the development of longer term strategic direction and vision of the business, including three year commercial strategies across the portfolio, price / value setting and guardrails, and both internal and external category narratives. This team are the centre for RGM activities, market insights and intelligence, and total category / channel perspectives.
Role Responsibilities
Manage the Commercial Strategy & Category Vision team
Lead 3-5 Year commercial strategy development & annual commercial planning, ensuring clear direction into brand and channel strategies & plans.
Lead the development and maintenance of the company’s growth vision for total beverage, and cascade into commercially relevant category strategy for both internal & external audiences.
Develop and maintain commercialised segment strategies e.g. cola, premium lager
Act as priority customers’ ‘go to’ expert for total beverages category vision & advice
Lead identified internal strategic projects contributing to or resulting from the strategy development
Experience And Key Attributes
Experienced in stakeholder management/influencing to achieve key business goals
Extensive FMCG background, ideally across multiple categories and/or channels
Demonstrable category management experience, including data literacy
Clear experience of utilising consumer and shopper insights to develop compelling category plans
Substantial commercial experience within FMCG industry, and ideally with Beer &/or Soft drinks experience
Ability to develop & commercialise long term strategic plans & category thinking (ideally with P&L experience)
Effective at prioritisation for self and team with excellent communication skills
Tenacious and resilient when it comes to resolving business challenges and prepared to use judgement when the need arises
Ability to prioritise and turn multiple sources of data in to clear strategic insights, which translate into actionable commercial plans
A strong understanding of insight processes and how this information can be used to create strategic recommendations across a variety of different channel clusters
Intimately understands channel, brand and consumer mission dynamics
A flair for storytelling, delivering key messages into logical and compelling structures
Ability to build strong cross functional relationships and deliver trust/credibility
Interested in finding out more? Apply today and a member of the recruitment team will be in touch!
Application Process
We read applications continuously, and vacancies may be filled anytime, so please apply as early as possible.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Our commitment to diversity equity & inclusion
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences - including those of different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, religions, and socioeconomic statuses. We actively seek to create a safe and inclusive environment for all of our colleagues, where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and inclusive practices are embedded in everything we do.
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