Customer Category Controller - Ice Cream

Customer Category Controller - Ice Cream

A rare and genuinely exciting commercial opportunity has arisen with one of the most recognised and respected names in the global confectionery and sweet snacking landscape. With a strong UK footprint, a portfolio of iconic consumer brands, and a reputation for significant brand investment and customer partnership, this business consistently punches above its weight in a highly competitive market.

This is a business that takes category seriously. Known for its high-growth performance and collaborative approach to retailer relationships, it offers a platform for commercially ambitious individuals to make a real and measurable impact.

The Role

The Customer Category Controller - Ice Cream is a high-impact position sitting at the intersection of category strategy and commercial execution. The Customer Category Controller - Ice Cream will play a pivotal role in shaping how the ice cream category is presented, ranged, and grown across key retail customers.

This is not a purely analytical role - the Customer Category Controller - Ice Cream will work closely with both internal commercial teams and external retail partners to influence ranging decisions, develop category visions, and drive shopper-led solutions that deliver mutual growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of category strategies for the ice cream category across key retail accounts, acting as a trusted advisor to customers
• Build compelling, insight-led category stories and range review submissions that influence retailer decision-making and drive category growth
• Partner closely with the National Account Management team to embed category thinking into commercial plans and joint business planning processes
• Translate shopper, consumer, and market data into actionable recommendations that support both the customer's category objectives and the company's commercial priorities
• Develop strong working relationships with buying and category teams at retailer level, establishing the company as the credible category captain of choice
• Monitor category performance, identifying emerging trends and translating these into proactive commercial recommendations
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, insights, and trade marketing teams to ensure category plans are fully aligned with broader brand and commercial strategy

The Ideal Candidate

The successful Customer Category Controller - Ice Cream will bring a strong grounding in FMCG category management, AND MUST HAVE ICE CREAM / FROZEN FOOD EXPERIENCE.

• Proven experience in a category management or customer category role within branded FMCG
• Strong proficiency with category management tools and data platforms (e.g. Nielsen, Kantar, IRI/Circana)
• Experience presenting category strategy and range recommendations to major grocery retailers
• The ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling commercial narratives
• A collaborative, commercially minded approach with strong influencing and communication skills

Location

London - hybrid working arrangements in place. Specific location details will be provided upon application.

Package

Competitive base salary + bonus + comprehensive benefits package. Full details available upon application.