Category Manager

C.A. Carlin•Schaumburg, IL

2d•$95,000 - $105,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Category Manager at C.A., you will play an important role maintaining the go-to-market analytics designed to support, track, and grow core and new product initiatives for all retailers and channels. They will provide the analytics and insights needed to optimize pricing, promotion, distribution, and shelf placement as well as participate in business review analyses. The position will maintain value-added and actionable category management tools, incorporating customer learning and strategic brand insights that will guide sales and the client to achieve Key Performance objectives. This position will perform as if they are an internal consultant and trusted advisor to their sales organization as well as our top clients.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree plus 5+ years of CPG industry experience, preferably in Natural/Specialty/Organic food and beverage.
Data & Analytics Mastery: Advanced proficiency in SPINS (Satori), Nielsen, IRI, and other data platforms.
Expertise in selling story development, category reviews, and category management principles.
Highly advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills to support data storytelling.
Strategic & Critical Thinking: Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights and drive strategic recommendations.
Process Efficiency & Innovation: Track record of implementing scalable processes to improve reporting, analytics, and team productivity.
Exceptional Communication Skills: Strong ability to translate data-driven insights into clear, compelling narratives for both internal and external stakeholders.
High-Performance Mentality: Thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a focus on continuous improvement and impact.

Nice To Haves

UNFI experience
Extensive Nielsen experience
Experience presenting to retailers

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Define and implement an advanced business intelligence strategy aligned with the Insights Pillar vision, ensuring the function delivers actionable and measurable impact. In addition, support 1-5 top clients including reporting, retailer category reviews, client/retailer performance, etc.
Analytical Excellence: Drive proficiency in key analytical tools and methodologies, optimizing how the team leverages SPINS, Nielsen, IRI, Mintel, and other data sources to uncover business opportunities.
Category & Business Insights: Develop and execute category management strategies aligned with client KPIs and best-in-class merchandising principles.
Create fact-based category reviews, business reviews, and selling stories that integrate shopper, distributor, syndicated, and consumer insights to drive informed decision-making.
Lead and present business reviews and strategic recommendations to clients and retailers, influencing go-to-market strategies and shelf-space optimization.
Partner with sales teams to develop and deliver compelling account presentations on new items, share of shelf, and efficient assortment strategies.
Performance & Promotional Analytics: Conduct post-promotional analyses to optimize future planning, ensuring programs deliver ROI and align with best practices.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a key insights partner to internal teams, fostering alignment across category management, sales, and marketing.
Process Optimization: Continuously refine methodologies for reporting, distribution void identification, and opportunity gap quantification to drive efficiency and effectiveness.