Associate Category Advisor Manager

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates; Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Associate Category Advisor Manager to drive strategic insights and enhance sales performance. In this dynamic role, you will leverage your analytical skills to interpret data and develop actionable strategies while fostering strong relationships with key retailers. You'll engage in planogram development, strategic planning, and continuous category analysis. Join a purpose-driven company that values diversity and offers top-tier learning and development opportunities. If you are passionate about making a difference in the CPG sector, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Bonuses

Learning and Development

Diverse Work Environment

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in the CPG industry with category management.
• Strong analytical skills to translate data into actionable strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers.
• Analyze categories and create actionable strategies for growth.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Relationship-Building

Data Interpretation

Category Management

Excel

PowerPoint

Nielsen Data Analysis

Retail Link Experience

Education

University Degree in Business

Tools

PowerBI

JDA ProSpace

Nielsen

Job description

Job Description:

The Associate Category Advisor Manager is responsible for understanding and analyzing the category, providing objective, strategic, and tactical insights and advice to the customer. You will identify opportunities related to sales performance, promotional activities, item assortment, and shelving strategy and execution. Additionally, you will share best practices and insights from the global category community and other resources.

You will handle external communication with a Key Retailer, manage ad hoc requests, weekly reports, monthly/quarterly strategy reviews, planogram development, and generate insights using available tools. You will report to the Team Lead.

What are we looking for?

• University degree in Business or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in the CPG industry, with knowledge of grocery, drug, or mass channels and category management experience.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data from various sources and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Experience leading team reporting, using PowerBI and other visualization tools.
• Effective relationship-building and influencing skills, with confidence to lead and support decisions with data.
• Experience in-store or with customers, developing engaging and actionable category solutions.
• Advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Nielsen data analysis and Numerator insights is a plus.
• Knowledge of shelf management software (e.g., JDA ProSpace) is an asset.
• Experience with Retail Link and vendor advisorship is advantageous.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Customer Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with the customer.
• Monitor performance and resolve issues promptly.
• Establish yourself as a category thought leader with the customer.

Analysis & Planogram Planning

• Analyze the category continuously and derive insights.
• Develop recommendations to foster category growth.
• Use local and global insights to create actionable strategies.
• Conduct assortment analysis to recommend high-performing items not currently carried.
• Create planograms for different store formats to optimize shelf quality and availability, leveraging JDA.

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Participate in annual strategic planning with the Key Retailer.
• Ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and standards.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse, talented colleagues guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company committed to building a better tomorrow.
• Access to top-tier learning and development, including Mars University.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including bonuses.

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Assistance or accommodations are available upon request for applicants with disabilities. We are committed to providing support without penalty.