In brief
The FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) industry is dynamic and diverse, and one that offers a wealth of career opportunities. FMCG products cover household items bought in the supermarket and pharmacy on a daily basis. Additionally, they include plastic goods, stationery, consumer electronics, restaurant and pub foods, beverages, newspapers, magazines and books.
Employers are some of the biggest brand names around the world, with products used and seen by consumers every single day. People always need food, drink and other FMCG items, so the industry will always have jobs to offer. Every week sees the launch of hundreds of new products, and behind these products are teams of people in a wide variety of roles. The industry offers graduates an exciting career in an innovative, constantly evolving arena where you can see the results of your work on shop floors around the world.
The FMCG industry welcomes graduates from any degree background. At any point between manufacture and consumption there will be a multitude of points of contact between suppliers and buyers and, as one of the largest private sector employers in the UK, there are a huge range of graduate FMCG jobs available.
Where can you work?
Many FMCG companies produce a range of products, whereas others focus on a sole product, for example Walkers Crisps.
Some typical FMCG employers are: Unilever, Proctor & Gamble, Mars, Weetabix, Heineken, Coca-Cola, Nestle, L’Oreal and Kleenex. Wander around a supermarket looking at brands and you will find a wealth of potential employers.
What’s changing in the sector?
Recent consolidation of large suppliers/retailers such as Tesco merging with wholesale provider Booker, will bring efficiencies within both industries and change how suppliers communicate with retailers in the future. This could result in more opportunities for talking to independent retailers in 'field roles' and developing relationships with the supermarkets’ head offices.
The growth of e-commerce in both the UK and globally has brought about great change in the FMCG and retail industry. It is expected that by 2025, FMCG will have a market share of 12% in the UK - almost double its current share.
Useful Websites
General research
The Grocer – the key publication for the trade and good source for vacancies.
FMCG news – news, events, blogs etc.
Prospects retail sector – provides a useful overview of the retail sector.
Jobs and employers
CareerHub – jobs board targeting LSE students, including events and networking opportunities.
Careers at Mars – advice on applying for roles within FMCG.
CPM – a field based third party sales agency.
TARGETjobs retail, buying and merchandising – an overview of jobs, training schemes and placements in the sector.
Professional bodies and associations
Institute of Food Science and Technology
British Retail Consortium
Institute of Grocery and Distribution