A monthly recruitment blog for National Account Managers, Brand Managers and Category Managers
(and everybody else in FMCG Sales, Marketing and Category!)
As we look forward to the last quarter before Christmas, how is the market? If you’re thinking of a career move, do you wait until the fabled post-Australia Day rush, or do you go now? The reality is, the market isn’t about you, it’s not ready when you are, it’s rare serendipity when your readiness aligns with the market’s propensity to give.
If you’re a regular listener to our podcast, Your Future in Sales & Marketing, you’ll hear the same advice given again and again by senior leaders; always be ready for a career conversation. Are you?
In a recent pod, one of our guests, Susan Catania, GM of Nestle Food, explained, “every person, employed everywhere should keep their eyes on the market, and understand their value”. That’s not disloyalty, it means being equipped to make a great career decision when it arises, internally, or externally, often when you least expect it.
So, do you know how to land your career narrative, with impact? Can you seamlessly talk about career goals? What about your key strengths and what impact they have on the business? Even more importantly, how do you demonstrate a growth mindset? There’s more you need to know to make sure you’re ready. Contact the [axr] team to access our guide, “How to get Interview Fit”, or for a broader career conversation.
So, how is the market?! FMCG’s are wrestling with growth slowing as consumers react to the cost-of-living crisis by shifting to value brands and private label. This has seen an increase in promotional spend, which is not sustainable, and in talent terms we’re seeing the appetite for boosting capability in in category (development and strategy), and RGM increase.
In marketing, the demand for talent with NPD and innovation is higher than any point in 2023. Is that an anomaly? I don’t think so. It tells me underlying corporate confidence is stronger than the lumpy market we’re living through.
The senior market in sales, marketing and category has moved from a slow drip, drip of roles to a steadier trickle…are we going to see the dam burst in 2024? Now, that would be exciting!
Summing up, we rate the Sales, Marketing and Category market as strong on the [axr] barometer is accurate.
