Senior Category Development Consultant (Freelance)Contract: 3–6 months | Start: As soon as possible | Location: Brussels (Hybrid)Sector: FMCG – Non-Alcoholic BeveragesAbout the RoleCCEP is looking for an experienced Senior Category Development Consultant (Freelance / Interim) to plug into the Category Development team on a 3–6-month contract, starting as soon as possible.This is a support role that can cover both Home (Retail) and Away-from-Home channels (e.g., Horeca, On-the-Go, Leisure, At-Work, Institutions). The consultant will partner with internal stakeholders and customers to develop and deliver category management projects and recommendations for the Non-Alcoholic Ready-to-Drink (NARTD) category.The engagement will be on a freelance or interim contract basis, with scope and rate aligned to experience and delivery expectations. Some on-site presence in Brussels is expected to support collaboration with the Category Development and Commercial teams.Key ResponsibilitiesCategory Strategy & RecommendationsDevelop category strategies and recommendations tailored to Retail and/or Away-from-Home customers, aligned with customer objectives and category opportunities.Define a vision for NARTD development at customers and translate it into actionable plans.Assortment, Range & Space PlanningLead and deliver category projects such as range optimisations, assortment reviews, and planogram/space planning initiatives.Build customer-relevant assortment strategies (brands, pack sizes, variants) based on shopper needs and commercial performance.Advanced Analytics & InsightsConduct customer/category analyses using internal sales data and external sources (e.g., Nielsen, GfK).Identify opportunities to improve performance through space efficiency, distribution, and merchandising recommendations.Performance & Execution SupportDefine and track KPIs for delivered initiatives and support teams in closing performance gaps.Support cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., account management, shopper marketing, insights, field sales) with clear outputs and actionable guidance.Contribute to innovation, merchandising improvements, and “Shelf of the Future” projects by developing concepts based on evolving shopper expectations.What We’re Looking ForIndustry & Role ExperienceStrong experience in Category Management / Category Development / Commercial Insights within relevant FMCG environments (where category development is a real value driver; not all FMCG backgrounds will fit).Experience working with Retail and/or Away-from-Home customers is an advantage.Analytical & Technical SkillsStrong analytical capability; comfortable working with large datasets and translating data into clear recommendations.Familiarity with Nielsen, GfK and/or space planning tools.Advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint; BI tools are a plus.Communication & Stakeholder ManagementStrong presentation and influencing skills, able to engage both customers and internal stakeholders.Able to operate effectively in a cross-functional, matrix environment.Able to ramp up quickly, work with autonomy, and deliver tangible outputs within a short contract window (3–6 months).Important – Mandatory Profile Criteria:This is a specialist Category Development assignment within FMCG, only candidates who meet all of the following criteria will be considered:Legally entitled to work in Belgium and able to work on a hybrid basis in BrusselsProven Category Development / Category Management experience in FMCG, gained within a relevant FMCG company (e.g., branded food & beverage, consumer packaged goods, beverage manufacturers)Hands-on delivery of category projects, such as assortment and range reviews, space or planogram development, category strategy, or performance-driven category initiativesApplications that do not meet all of the above criteria will not be taken forward in the selection process.Interested?If you are an experienced FMCG Category professional available in the short term and interested in a 3–6 month freelance or interim assignment supporting category development across Retail and Away-from-Home channels, we would welcome your application.Please submit your CV and a short overview of your relevant category experience. Suitable profiles will be contacted to discuss scope, availability, and contractual details.Questions? Do not hesitate to contact us at TalentAcquisitionBelux@ccep.com.⚠️ Please note that we do not accept applications by email. Make sure to apply directly through our official application platform.
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