Sr Category Insights Manager

Job Purpose Lead customer and category market insights, developing and advising strategies grounded in fact-based insights. Leverage syndicated data, point-of-sale (POS) data, and other shopper/consumer resources to deliver growth in sales and market share. Closely partner with the customer merchant teams and cross-functional stakeholders to execute the category strategy. Essential Functions + Category Strategy & Planning + Serve as the customeru2019s category advisor to objectively present category recommendations grounded in data + Understand macro trendsu2019 impacts, consumer behaviors, and shopping patterns to advise on new item and flavor innovations, new programs, and other actionable recommendations to exceed customer expectations + Present clear and concise industry insights discovered in customer data platforms by effectively communicating with data storytelling and strategic rationale to internal and external stakeholders + Utilize consumer and shopper research (qualitative and quantitative) to validate assumptions and detect new opportunities + Translate category objectives into sales and share goals within the customeru2019s framework + Data Analysis & Insights + Using multiple data platforms, provide syndicated POS/retailer scan data (e.g., Circana/Nielsen) and consumer panel data to analyze trends, performance, consumer needs, and competitive landscape + Work with the customer team to identify opportunities for growth driven by the multiple data points available for the specific customer, as well as broader industry trends + Perform steady cadence of weekly/monthly/quarterly updates, including tracking of sales volume, pricing, share, ratings, and category reviews + Merchandising, Assortment & Shelf Management + Work with the internal category team to recommend assortment and modular (shelf planogram) optimizations based on shopper insights + Participate in customer reviews with internal team to bring shopper insights into the store-level execution discussion + Reporting & Scorecards + Build and maintain dashboards, scorecards, and cycle reporting to track performance vs. targets + Present regular business reviews/updates to internal leadership and customer counterparts + Support food safety program, quality standards, and legality of manufactured products + Perform other job-related duties as assigned Qualifications (Education, Experience, Competencies) + Bacheloru2019s degree in business, marketing, economics, statistics, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred + 4-7 years of experience in category management, customer business, or retail analytics (with a major retailer focus preferred) + Prior experience in a customer category advisor role or other key customer-facing role preferred + Previous people management experience desired + Experience in food, perishables, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) environment preferred + Deep proficiency in data insights and consumer behavior tools with experience with syndicated data (POS/scan, panel) + Familiarity with space planning programs + Experience turning data into insights through impactful storytelling + Experience with consumer behavior/shopper research tools preferred + Ability to extract, manipulate, and interpret large data sets; advanced Excel skills, including financial modeling + Strong storytelling and presentation skills (PowerPoint, narrative development) + Experience with category management/shopper insights, assortment, modular planning + Analytical mindset with attention to detail and strong problem-solving ability + Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to build trust and influence cross-functional stakeholders + Comfortable working in ambiguity and with cross-functional teams + Ability to travel periodically (customer and internal meetings, trade shows, store visits)

Created: 2025-12-05