Category Insights Manager

Andrews Distributing Company of North Texas•Dallas, TX

About The Position

The Category Insights Manager (Channel/Portfolio) analyzes industry and shopper trends, supports long-term strategies for product categories and channel segments, and manages relationships with internal team members and external customers. The role maximizes portfolio opportunity through product assortment, pricing, promotion, and space planning, viewed through a channel- or portfolio-focused lens. It is part of the Customer Growth Strategy team. The role conducts analysis and synthesizes multiple data sources into insights and actionable recommendations; uses category management capabilities, analytical tools, and data visualizations to identify and communicate opportunities; and applies findings to product introductions, distribution, shelving, pricing, and promotional strategies. Depending on focus, the role provides analysis and recommendations for the Liquor and On Premise channels or manages communication with brand leadership and channel managers regarding portfolio strategy. The manager collaborates with Brand, Andrews’ Center of Excellence, stakeholders, Category Managers, and On/Off Sales teams. They contribute to planning processes, track category performance, help develop selling materials and customer-focused presentations, lead enterprise category-plan efforts, and provide reporting, trend analysis, customized reports, and special-project support. The position also drives category and space management best practices. The job includes office and computer work, with occasional physical activity such as standing, walking, stooping, climbing, and lifting. Driving may be required during the workday. The employee must maintain a current, valid driver’s license and regular, punctual attendance, and comply with company policies and safety practices.

Requirements

Channel focus: at least three years of progressively responsible experience in category management, sales, and brand.
Portfolio focus: at least five years of progressively responsible experience in category management, sales, and brand.
At least three years of data analysis and solutions development experience, including the ability to work across multiple datasets.
Proven change-management leadership skills and ability to influence others.
Previous experience with category management and space-planning software.
Proven project-management skills.
Strong understanding of the beer, spirits, and beverage industry.
Ability to maintain a seated posture for prolonged periods and operate computer equipment.
Ability to bend, stoop, and twist for filing and general office duties; ability to stand, walk, stoop, climb, and lift material or equipment, including items that may be heavy or awkward.
Ability to exert up to 55 pounds of force occasionally and negligible force frequently to move office-related items or materials.
Ability to use a computer for email, reports, documentation, and company and industry software; ability to operate office machinery.
Ability to speak, hear, and see to communicate and operate computers and office machinery; hand-eye coordination, fine manipulation, and continual hand/wrist motion are required.
Ability to tolerate working in environments with inside/outside ambient or extreme temperatures.
Ability to maintain a current, valid driver’s license.
Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Sales, Analytics, or another related field.
Strong financial and business acumen.
Previous brand management experience.
Cicerone Certified Beer Server.

Responsibilities

Analyze industry, shopper, category, and channel trends using multiple data sources, and turn findings into actionable recommendations.
Use critical thinking and problem-solving to identify opportunities and translate analysis into retail action.
Use internal and external data to optimize product introductions, distribution, shelving, pricing, and promotional strategies.
Apply category management capabilities, analytical tools, and data visualizations to identify and communicate opportunities.
Prioritize strategic work and activities that deliver return on investment.
Maintain an understanding of Andrews’ sales processes, systems, portfolio, markets, and competitors.
Provide analysis and recommendations related to the assigned portfolio or channel; for channel focus, this includes Liquor and On Premise channels.
Partner with Brand, Andrews’ Center of Excellence, and other stakeholders to understand and develop strategies and objectives.
Contribute to Andrews Shopper First Planning and participate in annual planning with stakeholders.
Partner with and provide guidance to Category Manager team members.
Track and report category performance and assist in developing selling materials.
Lead enterprise efforts to develop category plans.
For portfolio focus, communicate with brand leadership and channel managers to build understanding of insights and portfolio strategy; for channel focus, communicate with channel managers about insights and assortment strategy.
Create insight-driven presentations with actionable tactics and strategies, using storytelling.
Prepare category management reports, trend analyses, customized reports, and special-project work for cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Collaborate with On/Off Sales teams and Category Managers to develop customer-focused presentations reflecting the current retail market and environment.
Drive category and space management best practices.
Perform job functions in compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety practices; maintain a valid driver’s license and regular, punctual attendance.