Senior Group Category Director – Fresh (she/he/they)

Location: Poznań | Hybrid work model: 3 days per week from office, 2 days per week from home

Żabka Polska is looking for an experienced commercial leader to take ownership of the strategy and performance of Fresh – one of the key areas shaping our customer proposition and commercial growth.

This is a high-impact leadership role combining strategic category management, full business performance responsibility and people leadership. You will shape the long-term direction of the Fresh categories, drive commercial performance and develop high-performing teams across the organization.

The position reports directly to the Commercial Director and offers significant autonomy and exposure to senior management.

Key responsibilities:

• Developing and executing the long-term strategy for the Fresh categories, including ready meals, convenience snacks, dairy, cold cuts, bakery products, and fruit & vegetables.
• Leading a team of Category Directors and their teams, with overall responsibility for 15–20 employees and fostering a culture of high performance, accountability and talent development.
• Building a modern assortment, pricing and promotional strategy based on customer needs, market data and consumer trends.
• Owning the commercial and financial performance of the Fresh categories, including sales, margin, profitability and budget delivery.
• Identifying new growth opportunities and initiating strategic actions that strengthen business performance and competitive advantage.
• Building and developing strategic relationships with key trading partners in Poland and internationally, including leading annual and other strategic commercial negotiations.
• Making data-driven business decisions, translating market insights, analyses and project results into clear commercial actions.
• Working closely with Sales, Marketing, Operations and Logistics to ensure effective execution of the commercial strategy across the organization.
• Partnering with senior leadership to shape the future direction of the Fresh business and influence key commercial decisions.

We are looking for a person who:

• Has extensive experience in category management within an international FMCG or retail organization, preferably with strong experience in Fresh categories.
• Has successfully managed large business categories and managerial teams in a high-scale, operational environment.
• Has experience managing portfolios that include both branded and private label products and understands their role in driving sales, profitability and competitive advantage.
• Has a strong track record of developing and implementing commercial strategies and delivering ambitious business targets.
• Has significant experience in strategic supplier negotiations, including annual negotiations and long-term commercial partnerships.
• Is comfortable working in a data-driven environment and can translate complex analyses and market insights into clear business decisions.
• Combines strategic thinking with strong business acumen, results orientation and excellent execution skills.
• Is an inspiring leader who can build engaged, high-performing teams and develop strong commercial talent.
• Communicates confidently in English (minimum B2/C1 level).
• Holds a university degree; a background in economics, business, marketing or a related field would be an advantage.
• Holds a category B driving licence.

We offer:

• Real influence on the commercial strategy and growth of one of Żabka’s key business areas
• A high-impact leadership role with significant decision-making autonomy and direct cooperation with senior management
• The opportunity to shape the future of Fresh at Żabka and develop new approaches to assortment, pricing, promotions and strategic partnerships
• The opportunity to build and develop high-performing teams and have a meaningful impact on talent development
• A dynamic, fast-growing business environment where ideas can quickly turn into implemented solutions
• Hybrid working model – 2 days per week from home after induction period
• A modern office in Poznań and an environment that supports collaboration and innovation
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package