Category Marketing Associate (Marketing Specialist)
Position Overview
This role is responsible for a variety of marketing activities, with a primary focus on product commercialization, package design coordination, database and system management, reporting, pricing, and performance analysis. The position also provides day-to-day support for the Category Marketing team to ensure smooth operations and effective execution of marketing initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the commercialization process of new and reformulated products, including formula approvals, packaging changes, production scheduling, and margin management.
- Coordinate package design update projects, customer portals, and related forms.
- Conduct cross-system data audits to ensure data consistency and alignment with GDSN/GS1 and PLM specifications, maintaining customer compliance.
- Use insights and data to provide recommendations that support integrated marketing plans, innovation, activations, and market initiatives.
- Assist with management of external agency partners in the execution of digital/media campaigns and advertising strategies.
- Support pricing and contract management through pricing renewals and cost analysis.
- Coordinate internal system updates during sales region/broker changes; maintain terms and brokerage levels for all products within the assigned category.
- Assist in managing product spec sheets and promotional elements such as POS materials, coupons, and shippers.
- Process vendor invoices related to marketing data governance.
- Provide administrative and logistical support to the Category Marketing Manager and overall marketing team.
Qualifications
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or Marketing preferred.
- Valid driver’s license.
Experience
- 1–3 years of marketing experience, preferably within the food manufacturing industry.
- Strong understanding of marketing principles, strategies, and techniques.
- Proven ability to communicate effectively with internal teams and external partners.
- Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
Skills & Abilities
- Proficient to advanced skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Strong analytical, creative, and problem-solving abilities.
- Familiarity with SAP or similar systems; project management experience a plus.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments, including Sales, Cost Accounting, Operations, Purchasing, R&D, Quality Assurance, and IT.
- Skilled at building interdepartmental relationships and influencing without direct authority.
- Self-starter with a “hands-on” mindset and the ability to quickly learn new systems and processes.