Category Manager – EU

Overview

As Category Manager for Skincare & Fragrance in Europe, you will shape the category strategy and portfolio to meet retail, sales and market-share goals. You will translate global brand plans into regional initiatives, focusing on hero products, new launches, and promotional opportunities. You will collaborate with analytics and cross-functional teams to optimise the portfolio, forecast for NPD, and drive performance across markets. This role offers the chance to influence product development and GTM readiness within a fast-paced, innovation-driven beauty environment.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid work model
• 25 days holiday + birthday off
• pension and life assurance
• wellness programs
• dog-friendly days
• product discounts and gifting

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver Skincare & Fragrance category strategy aligned with Retail and Gross sales targets
• Build category visions, growth plans and portfolio architecture
• Review sales, market share and portfolio productivity with Category Analyst; recommend actions
• Monitor competitors and market needs; build business cases for new products and sets
• Manage category NPD and promotional product plans, aligning launch priorities
• Own category forecasting inputs and coordinate with Supply Chain on availability and stock risks
• Optimise portfolio for differentiated channel strategies (Specialty, Department Stores, Online)
• Develop pricing, positioning and lifecycle strategies; assess pricing competitiveness
• Lead category launch planning with Go-To-Market, VM, Sales, REOPS and Communications
• Oversee sampling, PPUs, TOAs and AOV drivers with Analyst support for coordination
• Evaluate launch attainment; translate learnings into improvements for future plans
• Brief and review Analyst work; coach and escalate priorities to Senior Category Manager

Key requirements

• Demonstrable marketing experience in beauty, skincare or fragrance
• Category or portfolio ownership experience
• Strong strategic and commercial capability; ability to turn analysis into decisions
• Experience coordinating launches across markets and functions
• Good commercial acumen with analytical capability and portfolio management
• Experience managing multiple stakeholders and influencing senior stakeholders
• Strong collaboration, adaptability, and results orientation
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise
• Strong communication and coaching skills
• Agility, proactive problem-solving, and attention to detail
• Knowledge of European markets advantageous

• collaborative
• agile thinker
• results-driven
• category strategy
• portfolio management
• forecasting

…