Analyst, Category Development

Mark Anthony Group • Chicago, IL

5d

About The Position

The Analyst, Category Development analyzes point-of-sale scan and household panel data across the United States, markets, and retailers. Working with the manager, the analyst develops fact-based presentations and reports to support assortment and merchandising decisions for national accounts and key regional retailers, and provides ad hoc support for category management and shelf validation tasks.

The role analyzes market trends, sales performance, competitors, and consumer preferences using retail sales, household panel, syndicated and custom research, and other market data. The analyst translates complex datasets into clear, actionable recommendations and supports category management strategies, including product assortment and pricing. The position owns data analysis and insights, reporting and dashboards, and performance tracking and monitoring. It influences retailer decisions about assortment, shelf placement, and merchandising, and collaborates with Sales on strategies tailored to regions, territories, local market conditions, and customers. The role provides insight and recommendations rather than direct veto authority.

Key metrics include volume (40%), distribution (30%), budget management (15%), and off-premise share (15%). The position is based in Chicago, Illinois. The posting lists an annual salary range of $70,000 to $80,000, with the final wage varying based on location and the individual's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Requirements

• Preferably 1 or more years of proven category insights experience in the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, using syndicated scan and household panel data platforms such as Circana and Numerator.
• Strong technical skills in Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, V-Lookups, and formulas.
• Experience with third-party software applications such as Qlikview.
• Strong data visualization skills in PowerPoint.
• Eagerness to learn new concepts, analytics, and technical applications.

Nice To Haves

• Category insights experience in the CPG industry, preferably at least one year.
• Experience with syndicated scan and household panel data platforms such as Circana and Numerator.
• Experience with Qlikview.

Responsibilities

• Analyze point-of-sale scan and household panel data across the United States, markets, and retailers.
• Work with the manager to develop fact-based data presentations and reports supporting assortment and merchandising decisions for national accounts and key regional retailers.
• Support category management and shelf validation tasks on an ad hoc basis.
• Analyze market trends to identify emerging segments, consumer preferences, and market shifts.
• Interpret sales data and provide insights on performance metrics.
• Use retail sales, household panel, syndicated and custom research, and market analysis data sources.
• Work with the manager to translate complex datasets into clear, actionable business recommendations.
• Monitor and analyze competitors' strategies, market positioning, trends, and sales performance.
• Develop category management strategies, including product assortment and pricing strategies.
• Own data analysis and insights, reporting and dashboards, and tracking and monitoring performance.
• Influence retailer decisions regarding product assortment, shelf placement, and merchandising through category insights and recommendations.
• Collaborate with Sales on strategies tailored to regions or territories, accounting for local market conditions and customers.
• Curate insight stories and support sales reporting through retailer gateways, including keeping shopper metrics in categories and flavor studies up to date.

Benefits

• Bonus plan designed to recognize company performance and individual contributions.
• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Company matching 401(k) contributions.
• Paid time off, including annual leave, paid sick time, and holidays.
• Training, development, and career growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed