Category Executive (FTC)

12 months – May 2026 to May 2027

A little bit about Lindt

We are a premium chocolate manufacturer established in 1845 operating in over 86 countries around the World. Guided by our Global purpose to Enchant the World with Chocolate and UK vision of Creating Moments to Make Everyone Feel Special, we have around 400 team members in the UK across our Head Office, Retail, and Field Sales divisions. We are a Top 20 Great Place to Work and are proud of our incredible people, our unique values-led culture and our iconic market leading brands such as LINDOR & GOLD BUNNY.

We’re also proud of being one of the few ‘bean-to-bar’ chocolate makers in the world, where we control every step of our chocolate production.

How you could help us to Enchant the World with Chocolate

We have an exciting opportunity where you could be a part of our incredible team.

In this role you will be a trusted team of shopper experts in Confectionery, that is central to providing strategic and short-term solutions to deliver Category growth, internally and externally

Key Responsibilities include:

• Becoming the category expert for the required customers and channels, both internally and externally
• Build ongoing relationships with key customer category and buying contacts
• Influence retailers through clear insight led rationale, delivering optimum execution for the Chocolate Category and Lindt Portfolio across all opportunities: 
  • Range reviews 
  • Distribution
  • Display 
  • Promotions 
  • AYR & Seasons
  • Projects & Trials
• To lead/support the development of Lindt as Category Experts in the Chocolate Confectionery market, within specified channels and accounts: Utilising all category management tools: e.g.
  • Market data analysis and insight (Circana, Worldpanel, dunnhumby etc) to identify category opportunities
  • Research analysis and insights
  • Range and merchandising analysis and recommendations
  • Tracking of customer performance vs. KPIs including risks and opportunities, NPD tracking etc
• Working cross-functionally within accounts/channel teams to interpret and effectively execute brand plans and deliver the Lindt Shopper vision
• To provide category analysis and insight for other key accounts/channels as required, on a project basis

This development role will demand good interpersonal and influencing skills to build and maintain relationships with key internal and external contacts:

• Customer Category and Buying Teams 

• Shopper Marketing Team 

• Commercial Team 

• Brand Team
• Operational agency relationships e.g. Circana, Worldpanel, dunnhumby

What experience you’ll bring

• Excellent numeracy, analytical and data interpretation skills to create insights
• A high level of passion for problem solving
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (all) – especially Excel & PowerPoint
• High level of interpersonal skills, able to work independently and within an internal team
• Curious about learning, with drive for development
• Ability to manage own objectives independently and take responsibility for own accounts & projects

How you will be rewarded

Internal Level 1.C

For the Category Executive (FTC-12 month) position, the salary range is £34,000 - £43,000 (pro-rata). In addition, you will receive a benefits package including; bonus, pension, life cover, chocolate allowance; chocolate give-aways, chocolate discount, birthday day off and so much more!

Being yourself every day

We want everyone at Lindt feel safe to be themselves, ensuring they are empowered, represented, celebrated and included in our workplace. You’ll notice this throughout the recruitment process; in our ‘dress for your day’ policy and through our proactive DE&I strategy.

Living our values everyday

At Lindt UK, our values guide us in everything we do. Being Passionately Lindt, Always Evolving, Building Real Relationships, Acting Responsibly and Making An Impact are an integral part of life here at Lindt.

What you can expect from us

In return for everything that you’ll bring, we can offer you an exciting role in a fast-growing organisation, where we’ll provide an environment where you will thrive, feel supported and fulfil your career aspirations, all while supporting your physical and mental wellbeing.

Where you’ll be based
This role is based in Richmond Upon Thames, London (Hybrid Working: in the office 60% and WFH 40%)

Requirements