Category Manager / Convenience Retail
(Slovak & Czech republics)
m/f/d
Our client is Shell Slovakia - a leading international energy company and one of the principal global leaders in mobility. Operating across more than 70 countries worldwide and employing over 80,000 people, Shell manages an extensive and modern service station network in Slovakia. In the retail sector, Shell consistently delivers innovative solutions, high-quality services, and modern store formats. To strengthen the retail team at the Slovak headquarters in Bratislava, we are seeking an experienced and strategically minded professional (m/f/d) for the position of Category Manager.
As a Category Manager, you will oversee the end-to-end management and performance of assigned key categories (Food & Beverages / Convenience Retail) across both the Slovak and Czech markets. Your mission goes far beyond transactional price concessions: it focuses on genuine strategic category leadership and business development. This entails executing Shell's global and regional strategies tailored with deep local customer insights, leveraging data analytics, pinpointing emerging market opportunities, and taking full ownership of deliverables and business results.
Key Roles & Responsibilities:
- Designing and implementing category strategies and marketing activity roadmaps in alignment with budgetary frameworks and project milestones
- Managing relationships with key local and regional suppliers, negotiating commercial agreements, and fostering long-term strategic partnerships dedicated to innovation and category growth
- Planning, executing, and evaluating promotional campaigns and customer value propositions utilizing retail marketing communication channels
- Continuously monitoring sales performance indicators, shopper behavior, and the competitive landscape to introduce innovative concepts
- Partnering closely with Sales & Operations teams and service station operators to ensure seamless, timely, and high-standard operational rollout across the network
- Actively participating in internal review sessions and delivering transparent reporting on key performance metrics
Our Expectations:
- Completed university degree (minimum Bachelor's degree level)
- At least 3-4 years of proven track record in category management and category development within retail (Retail / Convenience Retail) or with an established FMCG manufacturer (Trade / Category Development)
- Strong data fluency and analytical capability to interpret on-the-go consumer behavior and translate insights into tangible commercial opportunities
- High level of personal accountability and end-to-end ownership, driving tasks independently, proactively, and on schedule
- Value-driven and constructive negotiation style - looking for a strategic partner focused on building sustainable supplier alliances rather than a transactional buyer
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate effectively within a complex, virtual, and cross-border matrix organization (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Global teams)
- Fluent proficiency in English (C1 level) alongside native Slovak or Czech
- Valid category B driving licence, proficient user of MS Excel and commercial analytical tools
What We Offer:
- Strong foundation and prestige of an internationally recognized corporation with an established company culture, a collaborative team, and dynamic cross-border synergy
- Direct access to international expertise, top-tier professional training programs, and resources supporting continuous personal and career advancement
- An inspiring working environment offering significant autonomy, room for innovative ideas, and direct commercial impact across two markets
- Company vehicle also available for private use, mobile phone, and modern IT hardware
- Comprehensive corporate benefits package standard (meal allowances, work flexibility, annual leave beyond statutory limits, and other benefits)
- Base remuneration starting from EUR2,900 gross/month (the final package reflects the seniority and profile of the selected candidate)
If this role aligns with your career path and you meet the profile requirements for our position ref.no. 112,662, please submit your structured CV in English along with a brief cover letter (stating your motivation, earliest available starting date, and salary expectations) by email to shell@isg.sk, or apply directly via ISG career portal We guarantee absolute confidentiality and professional discretion to all applicants throughout every stage of the selection process.
