Kao is built on a strong heritage of innovation and a cultural philosophy to always walk the right path. With over 130 years of experience, we’ve become a global leader in the FMCG industry, committed to providing care and enrichment to both people and the planet. Behind iconic brands like Bondi Sands, Bioré, John Frieda, Curel, Biozet Attack, Goldwell, and KMS, we’re making everyday routines feel extraordinary.

An exciting opportunity now exists for a passionate and driven Senior Category Manager to join our AUNZ team.

What is the role?

As our Senior Category Manager, you will lead the category function in the region that will help shape a best-in-class calculated category strategy across beauty & personal care products, and be tasked with the following key responsibilities:

- Lead the development and execution of category growth strategies that deliver profitable growth across key channels and customers.
- Develop channel and customer category strategies that strengthen portfolio positioning, optimise ranging outcomes, and support new product launches.
- Act as the category and shopper insights expert, translating shopper, retailer and market data into actionable business recommendations.
- Lead analysis of syndicated, retailer and POS data to identify opportunities across assortment, distribution, pricing, promotion, space and merchandising.
- Influence channel and ranging strategies through analysis of category performance, market trends and new product opportunities, using data sources such as Circana/IRI, Quantium etc
- Partner with Sales and Marketing teams to influence category action plans, channel strategies and brand initiatives, ensuring alignment with commercial objectives.
- Provide strategic recommendations on ranging, category development and Net Revenue Management (NRM) initiatives to maximise category and business performance.
- Own and deliver category reviews with key retail partners,



leveraging insights to influence business outcomes and strengthen customer relationships.
- Drive the delivery of priority category projects and ensure successful execution through cross-functional alignment with local, global and customer stakeholders.
- Lead the category analytics, ensuring insights are effectively communicated and embedded across the business to drive decision making and value creation.

Our ideal Senior Category Manager AUNZ will ideally possess the follow credentials:

- 5+ years experience in category management, with a clear focus on consumer products
- Exceptional analytical capability; ability to perform quantitative analysis and be able to place it in the broader context of the business and market
- High consumer empathy and intuition
- Solid experience in AU and NZ retailers and distributors
- Superior business & commercial acumen and an ability to understand impact of initiatives across sales & marketing
- A proactive, growth oriented mindset with the ability to challenge conventional thinking, solve complex business problems and identify new opportunities for category and commercial growth
- Excellent communication skills and executive presence; ability to work closely and influence with all functional areas of the business
- Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, with proven experience working with market and consumer data tools such as Circana, Unify+, Quantium and IQVIA

Our offer to you

Based in our offices in Melbourne, you will join a collaborative, and dedicated hybrid team. You will be rewarded with a competitive salary package, outstanding learning & development programs, health & wellbeing initiatives & leave benefits (including 16 weeks parental leave for the primary carer!), discounted products, a glowing culture & team, and the rare opportunity to contribute your expertise to market leading brands!

Do you have what it takes? Apply now!

Kao is committed to creating a diverse workplace that provides an equal opportunity for all. We value talent of diverse backgrounds and experiences at Kao and encourage all to apply to become a part of our journey.

📌 Senior Category Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Kao Australia u0026 New Zealand
📍 Melbourne