Category Development Leader – Convenience (Snacking) - fixed term for 18 months

JOB DESCRIPTION Job Description: Brands: M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, EXTRA®, SKITTLES® As the Category Development Leader – Convenience (fixed term for 18 months), you will drive the growth strategy for our iconic Snacking brands across high-impulse retail channels (petrol stations, kiosks, and smart stores). You will turn shopper insights and market data into actionable assortment, shelf, and checkout strategies—serving as a trusted category advisor to key retail partners in Germany. What would be your key responsibilities?

• Shopper Insights & Strategy: Analyze shopper behavior to create actionable growth plans, lead our Checkout Champion initiatives, and leverage AI-driven analytics to unlock new category insights.
• Customer Partnerships: Partner directly with leading Convenience retailers to co-create tailored growth strategies, positioning Mars as the go-to category expert.
• Assortment & Planograms: Develop channel-specific layout and space recommendations to optimize shopper navigation and maximize impulse buying.
• In-Store Execution ("Perfect Store"): Advise on Picture of Success (PICOF) standards for the Convenience sector to ensure flawless execution at the point of sale.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Connect Key Account Management and Brand/Portfolio teams to ensure category insights shape commercial discussions.

What are we looking for?

• Proven track record in Category Management / Category Development within FMCG
• Prior experience in Key Account Management or customer-facing commercial roles is a strong plus.
• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in market data (e.g., NielsenIQ, scan data) with the ability to turn data into compelling business stories; eager to explore AI tools.
• Communication & Influence: Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence both internal teams and external retail partners.
• Languages: Business fluency in both German and English (written and spoken).

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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About Mars:

Mars is a family-owned business with more than $50 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL® and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 150,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Commitment to Equal Employer Opportunities:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with applicable law and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other category protected under federal, state, and local laws. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request. A Note to Candidates Regarding AI Embracing AI as a vital skill for today and tomorrow, we welcome candidates to use AI to assist with your preparation as you engage with our recruiting process—from helping to perfect your CV/resume to using it to refine your interview skills. While AI can assist you, we expect that your ideas, responses, and demonstration of competencies throughout the recruitment process are authentically your own. We value genuine engagement and want to see the real you shine. At Mars, AI is here to support—not replace—the human connection at the heart of our recruitment process.

Note to Search Firms/Agencies:

Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific. Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.