Lead development of category strategies across key accounts to drive velocity, distribution, and incremental merchandising.
Build customer-facing decks and recommendations that blend internal sales data with market and shopper insights.
Serve as the category expert for buyers, identifying opportunities to elevate the category with sustainable solutions.
Analyze syndicated data, retailer POS, internal performance metrics, and other intel resources to identify trends and whitespace.
Monitor category dynamics, competitor activity, and macro trends to inform pricing, pack size, and promotional strategy.
Conduct regular in-store and digital “retail safaris” to evaluate execution and innovation in the aisle.
Partner with product marketing, innovation, and ops teams to inform new product development and launch timing based on category needs.
Collaborate with finance and sales to support forecasts, promotional ROI, and retailer-level P&Ls.
Coordinate with creative and eComm to support omnichannel consistency across .com product pages and marketing efforts.
Inform consumption and shipment forecasts by monitoring velocity shifts, promo lifts, and competitive activity.
Maintain internal tools and trackers including line review timelines, promotional calendars, and assortment plans.
Develop post-promotion and post-launch analyses to guide future planning and optimize execution.

3–6 years of experience in a Category Manager or similar role within the CPG industry.
Strong command of syndicated data (SPINS, Nielsen, IRI) and retailer POS portals (e.g., 8451, MyData, Meijer, UNFI, Partners Online).
Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets, PowerPoint/Slides, and Looker or similar BI tools.
Strategic thinker with a commercial mindset and proven ability to translate data into action.
Experience working with retailers like Target, Kroger, Meijer, Whole Foods, or Costco is highly preferred.
Excellent communication and storytelling skills—able to build trust with internal and external stakeholders.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Willingness to travel 1–4x/year for key meetings, line reviews, and retail visits.

Category Manager

Key skills