Category Manager

Category Manager, Sweden

Do you want to shape the future of some of Sweden's most loved food categories? Are you commercially driven, curious and passionate about turning category opportunities into real growth together with customers?

At Paulig, we believe every meal, cup and moment should be full of flavour, and that bold ideas can make the world a tastier, more sustainable place. As a house of iconic brands, we can make an impact that counts, and careers that matter.

We are now looking for an experienced Category Manager to join our Swedish team. You will work with the strong Santa Maria brand, drive category development together with Sweden's leading grocery retailers, such as ICA, Axfood and Coop, and see your ideas come to life on store shelves.

Based in Stockholm, you will report to the Regional Category Manager North Europe and be part of Paulig's global Category Management team.

Your role in the blend

As Category Manager, you will be a key commercial partner to our Swedish Sales organisation and retail customers, shaping the future of our Tex Mex, World Foods and Spices categories.

We believe the best category strategies are developed close to our customers. Your role is to proactively shape the category agenda together with our customers, identify opportunities, set priorities and drive initiatives that create tangible results. You bring your own perspectives, challenge existing thinking and take the lead in turning opportunities into action.

In this role, you will:

• •Drive category growth: Identify opportunities and develop category strategies and initiatives that create value for shoppers, retailers and Paulig.
• •Influence customer decisions: Build trusted partnerships with retailers, lead category discussions and present recommendations to key decision-makers.
• •Turn insights into compelling stories: Transform shopper, consumer and market data into persuasive category growth stories that inspire customers and internal stakeholders to act.
• •Give commercial recommendations: Develop fact-based recommendations across assortment, pricing, shelf placement and promotions to improve category performance and profitability.
• •Drive execution and deliver results: Take ownership of category initiatives from recommendation to implementation, working closely with customers and internal teams to deliver measurable commercial impact.
• •Connect people and perspectives: Build strong relationships across Sales, Marketing and our global Category Management organisation.

Your key ingredients

You are a commercially minded FMCG professional who combines strategic thinking and strong analytical skills with the drive to make things happen. You see the bigger picture, think beyond short-term sales and thrive where not every opportunity is clearly defined.

To succeed in this role, you bring:

• •Solid experience in Category Management, Category Development or a commercially driven Sales role within FMCG, from a branded manufacturer or a retailer.
• •Strong understanding of the Swedish grocery retail market and its commercial dynamics.
• •A strategic and commercially driven mindset, with the ability to identify and develop long-term growth opportunities.
• •Strong analytical capabilities and experience with retail and category data, such as NielsenIQ, combined with excellent Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• •Excellent storytelling, presentation and communication skills, with the confidence to influence key decision-makers.
• •Proven ability to independently lead initiatives, build relationships and turn recommendations into tangible commercial results.
• •Fluency in Swedish and English, both written and spoken.

The flavours we bring

Working at Paulig, a family-owned company, means being part of an international community with bold ambitions and an inclusive growth culture. Category Management is high on our commercial agenda, so you will have a real seat at the commercial table and a high degree of ownership. You will make a difference in the Swedish market and share insights and best practices with experienced colleagues across markets.

Interested?

Join us on our journey to build a flavourful and more sustainable future. We review applications continuously, so please apply as soon as possible and bring your unique flavour to Paulig, latest 10 November. If you have any questions about the position you can contact recruiting manager Emma Ekbohm Emma.Ekbohm@paulig.com

About Paulig

Paulig is an international food and beverage company, growing a new, sustainable food culture that is good for both people and the planet. Paulig provides Tex Mex, snacks, coffees, world foods and spices. The company's brands include Santa Maria, Paulig, Conimex, Poco Loco and Zanuy, among others.

In 2025, the company's sales amounted to approximately EUR 1.39 billion. Paulig was founded in 1876 and is 100% owned by the Paulig family. The company has 2,700 employees in 13 countries, united by the purpose "For a life full of flavour".