Category Manager

Company: My client is a global leader in filtration technology, specialising in the development of innovative solutions that support cleaner mobility, improved air quality, and sustainable water management. Headquartered in Europe and operating across more than 80 locations worldwide, the organisation employs over 20,000 people and serves a diverse international customer base across automotive, industrial, life sciences, and environmental sectors. Role Summary: My client is seeking a Category Manager responsible for market research, end-user insights, and data analysis, alongside supporting strategic development and category management activities. The role also includes oversight of research suppliers and budget management, while providing valuable insights to support brand and product marketing teams through proprietary research initiatives.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead bespoke quantitative and qualitative customer research initiatives, including surveys, focus groups, and observational studies, to gain a deep understanding of customer behaviours and preferences.
• Translate customer insights into clear, actionable strategies that drive business performance.
• Champion the “voice of the customer” across the organisation through strategic thinking and delivery.
• Segment and profile customers based on needs, behavioural patterns, demographics, and psychographics.
• Develop and maintain detailed customer personas to inform targeted marketing and product development strategies.
• Utilise market intelligence to identify emerging trends, competitive landscapes, and opportunities for growth.
• Oversee systematic data collection from multiple sources, ensuring coordination, accuracy, and quality in collaboration with external partners.
• Monitor market developments, including product application trends, and identify new business opportunities, market segments, and partnership models, including emerging channels such as e-commerce.
• Analyse SKU performance and sales data at segment level, identifying gaps and opportunities, including underperforming products or customer segments.
• Develop value-added services to enhance customer engagement, such as customer portals and product tracking systems.
• Track key competitors and market trends, proposing and implementing initiatives to grow market share and strengthen customer relationships.
• Maintain and optimise sales platforms, including CRM systems and mapping tools.

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience within a multinational organisation; experience within the automotive aftermarket sector would be advantageous.
• Strong commercial awareness with excellent analytical capabilities and a customer-focused mindset.
• Proven organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with SAP is desirable.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply.
To apply please click apply or call Michaela Cornes on 02 8289 3210 for a confidential discussion.