Category Manager
C.A. Carlin
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Schaumburg • Illinois • United States
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Salary
💰 $95,000 - $105,000 per year
About the role
- As a Category Manager at C.A., you will play an important role maintaining the go-to-market analytics designed to support, track, and grow core and new product initiatives for all retailers and channels.
- Provide the analytics and insights needed to optimize pricing, promotion, distribution, and shelf placement as well as participate in business review analyses.
- Maintain value-added and actionable category management tools, incorporating customer learning and strategic brand insights that will guide sales and the client to achieve Key Performance objectives.
- Perform as if they are an internal consultant and trusted advisor to our sales organization as well as our top clients.
- Support 1-5 top clients including reporting, retailer category reviews, client/retailer performance, etc.
- Drive proficiency in key analytical tools and methodologies, optimizing how the team leverages SPINS, Nielsen, IRI, Mintel, and other data sources to uncover business opportunities.
- Develop and execute category management strategies aligned with client KPIs and best-in-class merchandising principles.
- Create fact-based category reviews, business reviews, and selling stories that integrate shopper, distributor, syndicated, and consumer insights to drive informed decision-making.
- Lead and present business reviews and strategic recommendations to clients and retailers, influencing go-to-market strategies and shelf-space optimization.
- Partner with sales teams to develop and deliver compelling account presentations on new items, share of shelf, and efficient assortment strategies.
- Conduct post-promotional analyses to optimize future planning, ensuring programs deliver ROI and align with best practices.
- Serve as a key insights partner to internal teams, fostering alignment across category management, sales, and marketing.
- Continuously refine methodologies for reporting, distribution void identification, and opportunity gap quantification to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree plus 5+ years of CPG industry experience, preferably in Natural/Specialty/Organic food and beverage.
- Advanced proficiency in SPINS (Satori), Nielsen, IRI, and other data platforms.
- Expertise in selling story development, category reviews, and category management principles.
- Highly advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills to support data storytelling.
- Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights and drive strategic recommendations.
- Track record of implementing scalable processes to improve reporting, analytics, and team productivity.
- Strong ability to translate data-driven insights into clear, compelling narratives for both internal and external stakeholders.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a focus on continuous improvement and impact.
Benefits
- PTO & Sick Days
- 11 paid company holidays per year
- 2 paid volunteer days per year
- 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender)
- Medical, dental, and vision
- Paid company life insurance
- 401k with company match
- Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day)
- Work from home flexibility
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
category managementdata analysisdata storytellingselling story developmentpost-promotional analysisreportinganalyticsshelf-space optimizationKPI alignmentmerchandising principles
Soft skills
strategic recommendationsactionable insightsinternal consultingclient relationship managementcross-functional collaborationcommunicationproblem-solvingadaptabilityinfluencecontinuous improvement