We have an exciting opportunity for a Category & Insights Manager (On-Trade) to join our team, based full-time, on-site at our beautiful offices in Somerset.
Established in 1904 by William John Thatcher, we have grown into one of the top cider‑making businesses in the world. Now in our fifth generation of family cider makers, we’re exceptionally proud of our Somerset roots.
We’ve experienced tremendous growth through industry‑leading levels of investment in our marketing, people development, innovative technology and world‑class cider mill. The best part? We’re just getting started.
• Competitive salary
• Benefits including discounts in our cider shop & on-site pub, The Railway Inn!
• Training, support and development to help you succeed
As our Category & Insights Manager (On‑Trade), you’ll champion category growth and amplify Thatchers influence across the on‑trade. This strategic, outward‑facing role transforms data into clear, actionable insight that shapes customer plans, industry influence, and long‑term category development.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about insight, commercially minded, and confident building credibility with customers and industry bodies.
What's involved?
Category Strategy & Leadership
• Develop and own the on‑trade category strategy, identifying growth drivers, market dynamics and future opportunities.
• Translate insight into strategic actions that shape customer, brand and commercial plans.
• Lead annual and long‑term category planning aligned with Thatchers commercial ambitions.
• Act as a category thought leader, raising the profile of Thatchers cider and positioning the business as a trusted voice on category trends.
Insight Generation & Analysis
• Analyse market, consumer and customer data to uncover trends, performance drivers and risks.
• Build compelling insight stories to influence senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Monitor competitor activity, pricing and promotional effectiveness across the on‑trade.
Industry Engagement & Advocacy
• Represent Thatchers within key industry bodies, forums and associations.
• Build strong relationships with industry influencers.
• Share thought leadership that positions Thatchers at the forefront of category development and cider innovation.
Customer & Commercial Support
• Partner with key on‑trade customers to deliver category‑led joint business plans.
• Create tailored insight decks, ranging guidance, menu optimisation and space recommendations.
• Support the sales team with category stories, pitch materials and performance reviews.
• Lead menu engineering, pricing analysis and range recommendations.
• Develop tools and frameworks that help customers optimise performance.
• Evaluate NPD performance and guide commercial decisions.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with marketing, sales, finance and supply chain teams.
• Influence brand planning with insight‑led recommendations.
• Support innovation teams with opportunity sizing and concept testing.
Reporting & Performance
• Own category reporting, dashboards and performance updates.
• Ensure accuracy and clarity across all insight outputs.
• Track KPIs such as rate of sale, distribution, share and customer performance.
Technical & Analytical Skills
• Strong experience with on‑trade customers and industry data sources.
• Ability to convert complex data into simple, compelling narratives.
• Skilled in forecasting, modelling and opportunity sizing.
Commercial & Category Expertise
• Deep understanding of the on‑trade landscape.
• Proven experience in category management, insights or commercial strategy.
• Confident influencing customers and external stakeholders.
Communication & Influence
• Exceptional storytelling and presentation skills.
• Able to constructively challenge and influence decisions.
• Comfortable representing the business externally.
Personal Qualities:
The Thatchers team is action‑oriented, adaptable and resourceful, with high levels of resilience to compete in an exciting yet competitive marketplace. We are curious, proactive and passionate about quality cider enjoyed across the world.
If you have the passion to make an impact as part of the Thatchers family, this is the role for you.
The Thatcher family has been making cider since 1904 and each generation has passed down valuable secrets of cider making, creating ciders that are smooth, fresh and full of flavour. We believe our cider makers are the best in the business, and our passion for quality has led to an unrivalled range of premium ciders.
We have built a team of highly experienced and motivated people. Times have changed since William Thatcher paid his staff wages in cider. What hasn’t changed is that each member of staff in our extended family is highly valued and encouraged to grow with the company.
