Associate Category Manager

Jacklinksproteinsnacks; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision benefits

Life and disability insurance

401k participation

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Jack Link's is seeking an Associate Category Manager focused on Mass/Club to develop category strategies and strengthen partnerships with customers. You will collaborate with the sales team to optimize product assortments, pricing, and promotions in line with company goals.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in business or related field and 3+ years in category management or analytics. Strong data skills with Nielsen/Circana data and retailer loyalty data are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3+ years in category management, sales, analytics, or related CPG role.
• Proficient in analyzing sales data, consumer trends, and market dynamics.
• Experience with retailer loyalty data and shopper metrics.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Knowledge of planogram optimization and space planning.

Responsibilities

• Analyze sales data and market trends to identify category growth opportunities.
• Develop and optimize product assortments and promotions.
• Build and maintain relationships with key customers and retailers.
• Track KPIs and report on category performance.
• Monitor competitors and industry trends to spot opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and supply chain.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Data interpretation

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing Economics, or related field

Tools

Nielsen

Circana

JDA Space Planning

Job description

The Associate Category Manager, focusing on Mass / Club, will support the creation and implementation of category management strategies aimed at developing win-win solutions and strengthening long-term, strategic partnerships with customers. This individual will collaborate cross-functionally with the sales team to optimize product assortments, pricing, and promotional strategies in alignment with company objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct in-depth analysis of sales data, consumer trends, and market dynamics to identify opportunities for category growth. Provide actionable insights and recommendations for assortment, pricing, and promotions based on these findings.
• Assist in the development and optimization of product assortments and planograms. Analyze product performance, conduct gap analysis, and recommend products for introduction or discontinuation based on consumer demand and profitability.
• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with key customers and retailers.
• Track and report on key performance metrics, such as sales and share. Provide updates to the sales team on category performance and recommend actions to improve results.
• Monitor competitor activities and industry trends to stay ahead of the market and identify new opportunities for category growth.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing Economics, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in category management, sales, analytics, or a related CPG role.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights.
• Proficiency in using syndicated data (i.e., Nielsen, Circana), and retailer specific loyalty card data, shopper panel metrics.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and critical thinking skills.
• An initiative-taking, results-driven mindset with a passion for consumer products.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience in the CPG industry, particularly in salty snacks a plus.
• Experience with JDA Space Planning software a plus.

The salary range for this role is $75,000 - $85,000 (Annually). Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link's Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link's provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

LINK SNACKS CORE VALUES:

Company values: Be Real, Speed Matters, Stewardship, Relationship Driven, Self-Discipline, and Show Awesome Character.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the Team Member is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or more up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant/office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet/slippery floors. However, the vast amount of work is conducted in a climate-controlled office. Travel may be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Jack Link's provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:

Jack Link's is a participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For information about the E-Verify program, please visit: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to generally describe the nature and l