Job Description

We're looking for a commercial category analyst/manager to join our team here at Starbucks UK. A place where you're valued, challenged, and inspired. Where your voice is brewed into everything we do. At Starbucks, we're all about you.



As part of this role, you'll be responsible for leading the commercial agenda of beverage, merchandise and at home coffee for the UK cafe retail market, creating and executing the category strategies. You'll be driving performance through strong cross-functional relationships and acquiring results through effective prioritisation.





We'll look to you to bring your previous experience in category management with a key understanding of how to access category growth leavers. You'll have proven experience in leading category strategies, operational business plans and trend understanding and interpretation. Alongside your strong analytical skills, you'll have a proven track record in delivering positive top and bottom-line growth to categories with strong experience of leading commercial projects from inspiration to completion in a branded business. We're looking for a strong relationship builder who can manage our external supplier base and influence new product development. You don't need previous people leadership experience, we're happy to coach and support you on the journey leading a team of four partners.





The best part about this role is that no two days are ever the same! Working as our beverage category manager, you'll get involved in:

Commercial ownership

Creating annual business plans which achieve the strategic vision: range, product development direction, pricing and execution. These plans will focus on driving EBIT growth through like-for-like sales, new business initiatives and gross margin improvement at both the brand and category level. Continuously assessing and monitoring the performance of beverage categories, making this visible to the wider business; highlighting and acting upon emerging themes and insights to address or accelerate performance Utilise a range of commercial levers to maximise like-for-like sales growth, including range improvement and optimisation Own strategic pricing and promotional activity across category offerings, as well as effective upselling initiatives to boost category basket size Maintain and forecast the price plan in collaboration with finance. This includes building the pricing strategy for the annual budget in accordance with agreed financial targets. Conducting monthly tracking and reporting against the price plan, ensuring key stakeholders are fully aware of their pricing deliverables. Provide expert analysis of gross margin performance drivers and implement diverse strategies to enhance gross margin within your categories, working closely with stakeholders to identify and capitalise on supplier income opportunities. Oversee accurate product forecasting and availability. Innovate ways to reduce waste and optimise labour costs associated with category-specific commercial activity. Identifying commercial opportunities and promoting our coffee culture through storytelling.

Product and innovation

Ensuring effective translation of EMEA plans making sure we have strong consumer led LTO's for seasonal campaigns In collaboration with our finance and sourcing teams, building commercial business cases to establish most efficient costs and investment for NPD, which will form part of our supplier briefing documents. Overall responsibility for ensuring all projects are on track and that we have an ambitious yet achievable innovation pipeline spanning at least 18 months. Support category team learning; for example, trade fairs, commissioning focus groups, incorporating learning and training that supports category plans.


In return, we'll offer you a competitive salary and benefits that include:




25 days holiday a year (plus Bank Holidays) Flexible benefits - in addition to the benefits listed here we'll also provide you with an additional 4% to allow you to select the benefits that suit you Up to 10% bonus Life assurance and private medical insurance for yourself Comprehensive training (including coffee knowledge!) and access to Starbucks Global Academy (our online learning platform to help continuously develop yourself) Free bag of coffee each week and a 30% partner discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise Discounts with local and national retailers (cell phones, gym memberships, entertainment tickets, hotels, etc.) through Perks at Work platform Subscription to Headspace Home Sweet Loan (Interest-free loans that can be paid back over 12 months to help pay your rental deposit) Bean stock options for all partners (own part of Starbucks!) A free 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme available to you and your family




So, if you're looking for a new opportunity, with us you'll be welcomed, you'll be challenged, you'll be inspired. Here you'll be heard. Because here, you're a part of it all. Here you belong.



Starbucks is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All applicants and partners will be treated fairly, without regard to race, religion, sex, nationality, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity and expression.


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