Category Director - Food & Drink, China

Mintel, a global market intelligence leader headquartered in London, UK, has been partnering with the world’s most renowned consumer brands, marketing, and advertising agencies since 1972. Our syndicated research combines primary and secondary data to offer a forward-looking perspective on consumer markets and lifestyle trends. Mintel doesn’t just predict the future; we shape and define what’s possible.

We are seeking a Director to join our Mintel China, specializing in the Food & Drink and Health & Wellness (FDHW) sector. This role provides an exciting opportunity to lead a team of insight analysts, influence key market players, and establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry.

In this pivotal position, you will shape the future of Mintel’s offerings, directly impacting how industry brands engage with consumers and how ingredient suppliers innovate. Your insights will guide strategic decisions, helping clients adapt to evolving consumer needs and maintain or enhance their market position.

What You Will Be Doing: [Job Responsibilities]

Content Strategy & Delivery

• Drive the vision and strategy for Mintel insights, aligning with market trends and client needs. Oversee the end-to-end publication process to maintain high-quality standards and meet all publishing deadlines.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive insight content plan, conduct market research, and analyze consumer preferences, industry trends, and competitive landscapes to generate actionable insights.

• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and key client stakeholders, ensuring clarity and actionable outcomes.

• Collaborate with global and local teams to enhance the impact of Mintel insights, and actively promote Mintel content with Client Advisory, Account Manager, Business Development and Marketing to promote content and Mintel solutions and enhance the market relevance.

Team Management & Development

• Recruit and cultivate a high-performing team of FDHW specialists, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning with curiosity and deep thinking, market dynamics and client-centricity among the team.

• Set up clear guidance for team members regarding the quality and quantity of deliverables.

• Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to team members.

• Collaborate with Commercial team (AM), other practice team (BPC & PS) and other Mintel core function teams to drive the overall productiveness and ROI.

Change Management

• Identify opportunities to enhance Mintel’s value to our clients in a dynamic marketplace.

• Lead positive organizational changes and work closely with senior leadership to drive innovation and improvements.

Who We Are Looking For: [Person Specification]

Required Skills

• In-depth knowledge of the F&D industry, innovation trends, and consumer behavior.

• Strong expertise in market research, data analysis, and converting insights into strategic initiatives.

• Proven leadership skills with experience in building and leading high-performing teams.

• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, capable of articulating complex ideas to diverse audiences.

• Fluent in Mandarin and English, with strong writing proficiency in both languages for business contexts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marketing, Business, Psychology, Sociology, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or a related field.

• At least 7 years of experience in market research, consumer insights, or a similar role within the beauty industry.

• Experience leveraging insights to drive product development and marketing strategies.

• Bilingual communication skills are essential for effective stakeholder engagement and cross-cultural collaboration.

• Willingness to travel for client meetings or marketing activities.

• Experience with well-known cosmetics manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, or A-class research and consulting firms is a significant advantage for this role.

What We Offer

• A culture that supports true collaboration whilst embracing remote working.

• Flexi-time working hours (start working between 8:00 am and 10:00 am).

• Blended (office/home) approach to work.

• Approach to personal development where we encourage individuals to grow and share what they’ve learned.

• Social events, both within the department and across the company.

• Generous annual leave and wider circle employee benefits.

• Additional one day off to celebrate your birthday.

• Membership in Employee Resource Groups (Mintel Diversity, Mintel Wellness, and Mintel Gives).

• Giving back is part of our culture with this in mind, Mintel gives employees 2 days' leave per year to join local volunteering activities organised by our Mintel Gives (where applicable).

• Mental health and wellbeing support via Modern Health App and Employee Assistance Programme.

• Beautifully designed offices to foster collaboration and fun.

Mintel is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to the strength of an inclusive workplace.

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