Head of Strategy & Insights – Category – Deli

Head of Strategy & Insight – Chilled Food (Deli)

Location: UK (Hybrid group role – with travel as required)
Industry: Chilled Food Manufacturing (Own label and branded)
Package: £70k – £80k (DOE) + Car Allowance/EV Car Scheme + Company Bonus + other Benefits 

Shape the Strategy of an Innovative, fast growing Chilled Food Category, with focus on consumer insight and thought leadership

Are you a strategic leader who is  passionate about unlocking growth through a deep understanding of consumer insight, shopper data and brand dynamics? Do you have the vision, analytical acumen, and influencing power to define “what’s next” in a fast-paced chilled food market?

At The Compleat Food Group, we're looking for a Head of Strategy & Insight to shape the strategic plan for our Deli and Dips categories – bringing clarity to complexity, elevating consumer thinking, and powering cross-functional decisions that deliver real commercial and brand impact.

Who we are looking for:

• Proven leadership in Strategy, Actionable Insight or Commercial Brand Planning, ideally within FMCG.
• Expert ability to synthesise data from multiple sources into a compelling narrative – from EPOS, Kantar, Nielsen to bespoke research.
• Strategic mindset with hands-on experience influencing brand positioning, retailer strategies, and innovation priorities.
• Skilled in using tools such as IRI, Dunnhumby, Power BI, or similar visualisation platforms.
• Deep experience in qualitative and quantitative research management.
• A collaborative, confident communicator – comfortable working cross-functionally and navigating matrix structures.
• A proven track record of influencing decision-makers at all levels, including executive and board level.
• Driving Licence with flexibility to travel to our sites across the UK in particular our Redhill location in Surrey weekly.

The Opportunity – "What you will be doing" : Driving Strategic Category Growth in both Brand and Private Label

As the senior leader for Strategy and Insights in the Deli business unit, you will:

• Be the go-to leader for strategic thinking in category evolution, retailer engagement, and innovation alignment.
• Champion consumer, shopper and market insight as the foundation for growth – shaping the category strategy underpinned with consumer centric thinking 
• Own the “voice of the consumer” and turn data into action – distilling complex analytics into sharp strategic commercial recommendations.
• Lead total category KPI tracking, consumer behaviour analysis and macro trend monitoring to drive short- and long-term planning.
• Influence at the highest level – partnering with the Commercial Director, Brand, Category Management, and Development teams to embed insight into every growth decision.
• Lead and manage consumer research projects, identify key behavioural shifts, and influence how we evolve our shopper profiles and brand experiences.

Why Compleat Food Group? Why Now?

We’re entering a pivotal phase of brand and category transformation. As Head of Strategy & Insight – Deli, you’ll be instrumental in setting the standards for insight-led decision-making and will help define the strategy in the next wave of innovation and growth in a category ripe with opportunity.

You'll work in an ambitious purpose-led organisation that champions bold thinking, sustainable growth, and authentic food experiences — and where your expertise will shape decisions that matter to both the business and the consumer.

What's in it for you?

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, well being, and career growth:

Along with above Salary and Package we also offer:

Financial & Lifestyle Benefits

• Company Bonus Scheme recognising performance and contribution
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
• 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
• Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
• Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
• Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
• EV charging points – available at selected sites

Health & Wellbeing

• Private Medical Insurance (work level dependent)

• 24/7 access to GroceryAid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
• Physical Wellbeing Hub – free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts

• Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
• Online wellbeing support – from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
• Financial wellbeing tools – including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid

Career Growth & Development

• Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
• Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
• Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
• Company Mentoring Scheme  to add depth and really support your career journey
• Recognition through Club Compleat rewards

Community & Culture

• 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
• Charity initiatives and fundraising events
• Team socials to connect and celebrate together
• Employee networks & support groups – including Women @ Compleat
• New baby gift for new parents

About Us

At The Compleat Food Group, we’re driven by the belief that food should not only taste good but do good — for people and the planet. With household brands like Wall’s Pastry, Squeaky Bean, Unearthed, and Vadasz, and a growing presence in the Mediterranean Deli category, we’re leading the chilled food space with innovation, responsibility, and consumer connection at our core. Ready to lead the Category and Insights conversation? Apply today and let’s create food to feel good about — together.

The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace. We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed. Contact us with any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process.