
Associate Director – Category Management
Ignite HR Solutions
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Remote
Location: California • United States
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Salary
💰 $160,000 - $175,000 per year
Job Level
About the role
- Develop and own comprehensive category strategies aligned with corporate business objectives and consumer trends.
- Conduct category reviews, competitive analysis, and market assessments to identify growth opportunities and risks.
- Build annual and long-range category plans, including revenue targets, margin goals, and volume forecasts.
- Monitor and report on category KPIs, adjusting strategies based on performance data and market dynamics.
- Optimize product assortment by analyzing sales data, consumer behavior, and shelf space efficiency.
- Drive new product introduction (NPI) processes from concept to launch in partnership with marketing and R&D.
- Manage product lifecycle decisions, including rationalization, delisting, and reformulation.
- Develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness, margin targets, and brand positioning.
- Plan and evaluate promotional calendars; measure ROI and optimize promotional investments.
- Partner with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to align category plans with broader business priorities.
- Present category insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and retail/distributor partners.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Food Science, Marketing, or a related field.
- 8+ years of experience in category management, shopper insights, or sales strategy within the CPG industry
- Hands-on experience with syndicated data platforms such as IRI/Circana, Nielsen, or SPINS, and the ability to turn data into a compelling story
- Must have experience with Numerator or other consumer data programs
- Proven track record of building and presenting category reviews to major retail buyers (grocery, club, mass, or natural strongly preferred)
- Strong understanding of retail fundamentals: planogramming (JDA/Apollo/Spaceman), shelf strategy, assortment optimization, and promotion evaluation
- Experience in better-for-you, natural, or plant-based food and beverage is a plus
- Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, comfortable presenting to senior buyers and VP-level stakeholders
- Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment without needing day-to-day direction
- Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets; experience with Tableau or similar BI tools is a bonus
Benefits
- Excellent Health care coverage for you and your family
- Generous time off: the freedom you need to take time away from work to rest and recharge
- Pay It Forward or Give It Back: 20 hours paid time each year to volunteer. Join a planned event or volunteer individually for a cause that matters to you
- Financial and Emotional Wellness Programs: Equity grants, 401(k) offering, life insurance and access to our Employee Assistance Program
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
category managementshopper insightssales strategydata analysispricing strategiesproduct lifecycle managementpromotional evaluationassortment optimizationmarket assessmentcompetitive analysis
Soft Skills
communication skillsstorytelling skillspresentation skillsself-starterentrepreneurial mindsetstrategic thinkingcollaborationadaptabilityanalytical thinkingleadership