Category Development Manager

Company overview

JDE Peet’s is a global coffee business built around the belief that great things happen over a cup of coffee. Its brands are served across more than 100 markets, with over 4,400 cups enjoyed every second worldwide. The company is focused on its “Reignite the Amazing” growth strategy and is developing its portfolio through well-known global names such as Peet’s, L’OR, and Jacobs, as well as local favourites including Kenco, Douwe Egberts, Marcilla, and Moccona.

With more than 21,000 colleagues and annual sales of €8.8 billion, the business combines global scale with local understanding, entrepreneurial thinking, and a willingness to challenge convention.

Life and culture

The workplace is shaped by four core values: Dare to Amaze, Own It, Make It Simple, and Win Together. Team members are encouraged to innovate, take responsibility, simplify complexity, and collaborate to achieve strong results in a fast-moving international environment.

Role overview

The Category Development Manager will help shape the future of the UK coffee category. Based within the Category Development & Shopper Marketing team, this role works closely with Sales, Marketing, and key retail customers to drive category growth. The position reports to the Demand Accelerator Controller and is responsible for creating customer-specific category strategies using shopper insight and commercial data.

This is a high-profile, externally facing role that combines analysis, influencing, storytelling, and commercial thinking to strengthen the company’s position as a preferred supplier.

Key responsibilities

Build category leadership with customers by developing trusted relationships, translating the category vision into customer plans, and supporting growth goals. Lead range reviews, assortment planning, and space optimisation across store and online channels, while using insight-led storytelling to support decision-making.

Use data to generate practical business insight by reviewing shopper behaviour, market trends, and performance metrics. Spot opportunities to improve sales, promotions, and profitability, and provide regular performance reviews with clear recommendations.

Deliver commercial impact through promotional effectiveness analysis, distribution and assortment support, and ownership of Product Quadrant Analysis (PQA). Manage underperforming SKUs proactively and prepare quarterly market insight presentations and category updates.

Work closely with internal teams to deliver joint success by partnering with Sales, Marketing, Category Strategy, and Shopper teams. Support product launches and relaunches, contribute to customer business planning and commercial reviews, and ensure range review cycles and execution plans stay aligned.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate brings strong experience in Category Development or Category Strategy within FMCG, along with a solid understanding of UK retail, shoppers, and customers. Advanced analytical ability is important, especially the skill to turn complex data into clear and persuasive insight.

Experience with tools such as Nielsen, IRI, Kantar, or Dunnhumby is preferred, along with strong Excel and PowerPoint capability. The role also calls for effective stakeholder management, influencing ability, and confidence in presenting to both customers and senior leaders. A self-motivated, results-focused approach is essential, as is willingness to travel for customer-facing work.

A degree or equivalent relevant experience is required.

Additional information

This opportunity offers the chance to shape category strategy for some of the most recognised coffee brands in the market while working directly with major retail partners. The company describes itself as a place where ideas are valued, development is supported, and individual impact is visible.

JDE Peet’s is now part of Keurig Dr Pepper and continues to focus on brand-led growth across its global coffee portfolio, including Peet’s, L’OR, and a group of strategically selected local icons led by Jacobs.