Strategic Category Lead (12 Month Contract)

Job Description

Job Description:

Mars: Where your Tomorrow Starts Today!

Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We’re behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, ECLIPSE®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, DOLMIO®, BEN’S ORIGINAL ® MASTERFOODS ® and ROYAL CANIN® and we are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.

About Mars Food & Nutrition Australia

Mars Food & Nutrition is dedicated to providing better food today and a better world tomorrow. For us, food is more than just what’s on our plate. We know that what we eat, where it comes from and who we share it with matters. We believe that a better world tomorrow is one where more people have access to healthy meals; more people cook and sit down together to enjoy shared dinnertimes; and more food can be produced with less.

We have an ambition to enable delicious, healthier eating to be part of consumers’ daily lives. Our portfolio of much-loved brands includes MASTERFOODS™, DOLMIO™, BEN'S ORIGINAL™, KAN TONG®, and PROMITE®.

About the opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Category, this is a high-impact role leading the strategic agenda for MFA categories (1–3 years) by translating insights into actionable point-of-purchase opportunities that deliver a three-way win—Consumer/Shopper, Customer, Mars. You will also mentor and develop the Strategic Category Analysts, ensuring your team turns insights into tangible growth.

This influential role sits within the Strategic Demand Team and partners closely across Marketing, Customer, Sales, SRM, Finance, and CMI teams. You will define and execute category strategies that optimize range, space, pricing, promotions, and displays across bricks-and-mortar and digital channels. Your work will directly influence customer engagement, shopper behavior, and business growth.

What you’ll do

• Lead 1–3-year category strategies, translating shopper and consumer insights into actionable plans that deliver growth across all channels.

• Develop and implement range, space, pricing, promotion, and display initiatives to maximise sales and category performance.

• Provide consultative input to ensure new products align with category strategy, customer needs, and portfolio goals.

• Partner with Customer Teams to deliver compelling trade sell stories and influence POP execution to drive mutual growth.

• Conduct category deep dives, monitor market performance, and translate insights into actionable opportunities to achieve growth targets.

• Mentor Strategic Category Analysts, supporting their growth and engagement.

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience in Category Management within FMCG, with strong customer-facing experience.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop cross-functional teams.

• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to turn data into actionable insights (Excel, Syndicated Data, PowerPoint).

• Excellent influencing, negotiation, and communication skills to build strong relationships internally and with customers.

• Solid commercial and financial acumen, including understanding of P&L, pricing, promotions, and portfolio management.

What can you expect from Mars?

Mars will provide you with genuine career progression focusing on you and your career goals. Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University. A global health and wellbeing program to support flexibility and work-life balance, with the opportunity to make a difference with our volunteer and ambassador programs.

Be part of a company that is contributing to making the world a better place today and every day through on our sustainable generation plan. A culture that offers collaboration, leadership and rewards you for the role you play within Mars.