Associate Director of Category Management

Ignite HR Solutions and our Clients • Berkeley, CA

3d • $160,000 - $175,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Our client, Ripple Foods, is hiring! Ripple Foods is looking for a highly motivated, data-driven Associate Director of Category Management to help accelerate growth. This role is responsible for developing and executing end-to-end category strategies. This role drives profitable growth by leveraging deep consumer insights, supplier partnerships, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize assortment, pricing, promotion, and placement. This role serves as the internal expert and strategic owner for our full product line, influencing both internal stakeholders and external retail or distribution partners. Reports to the VP of Sales.

Requirements

• A motivated, results-oriented self-starter
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• A continuous improvement mindset
• Strong communication skills and ability to build strong partnerships with internal and external customers
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Passion for driving results and having fun
• 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
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Experience in better-for-you, natural, or plant-based food and beverage is a plus

Responsibilities

• Category Strategy & Planning 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.
• Assortment & Product Management 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.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of SKU performance, cannibalization, and halo effects within the category.
• Pricing & Promotions Develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness, margin targets, and brand positioning.
• Plan and evaluate promotional calendars; measure ROI and optimize promotional investments.
• Work with finance and commercial teams to model scenarios and assess the P&L impact of pricing changes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration 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.
• Support S&OP processes by providing demand signals and category-level forecasting input.
• Collaborate with shopper insights and marketing teams to translate consumer data into actionable category initiatives.

Benefits

• An inclusive and collaborative environment where all ideas are welcome, iteration is encouraged, and the best ideas are adopted. As a certified B-corporation we go the extra mile to ensure our business benefits our employees, our consumers, our local community and the world around us.
• 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
• Location: Can be Remote OR a Hybrid role for someone in the Bay Area.
• Annual Salary Range: $160,000-$175,000

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees