Head of Category (12 Month Contract)

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®. 

An exciting opportunity to lead the category agenda for Mars Food & Nutrition Australia (MFNA) on a 12-month contract or secondment basis.  

About the opportunity 

Reporting to the Strategic Demand Director, this is a key leadership role driving the 1–3-year category strategy for MFNA. You will translate shopper and consumer insights into actionable point-of-purchase plans that deliver a three-way win for our consumers, customers, and Mars while leading a high-performing category team. 

Leading a team of 5, this strategic role drives the Category Function within the Strategic Demand Team, collaborating closely with Marketing, Customer, Sales, Strategic Revenue Management, Finance, and Consumer Market Insights to deliver category growth and shopper-led strategies. You will shape and execute category strategies that drive sustainable growth, optimise range, space, pricing, promotions, and displays, and influence trade execution and new product development initiatives. 

Based at our Wyong or Sydney location, this role offers flexibility while ensuring strong engagement across the business and with key customers. 

What you’ll do 

• Lead and develop a high-performing category team, including Strategic Category Leads and Analysts. 

• Own and drive 1–3-year category strategies and activation plans aligned with shopper-led growth drivers. 

• Track and analyse market performance to ensure delivery of growth plans ahead of category targets. 

• Guide execution of point-of-purchase plans across range, space, pricing, promotions, and displays. 

• Partner with Customer Teams to influence POP execution and develop compelling trade sell stories. 

• Support New Product Development (NPD) by providing consultative input and ensuring cross-functional alignment. 

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to drive category growth and profitability across bricks-and-mortar and digital channels. 

What we are looking for: 

• Proven leadership experience in category management within FMCG 

• Demonstrated leadership experience, managing cross-functional teams and developing talent. 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights. 

• Experience in shopper behavior, pricing, promotions, revenue management and New Product Development processes. 

• Excellent collaboration, communication, and stakeholder influence skills. 

• A business degree or relevant qualification with 8+ years’ experience in Sales or Marketing. 

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.