Category Development Manager

Lotus Bakeries, Milan; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lotus Bakeries seeks a Category Development Manager to drive category growth initiatives in partnership with Sales and Marketing. You will craft category strategies, leverage Nielsen/IRI data and retailer insights to optimize assortment, promotions and in-store visibility.

You will collaborate with internal teams and retail partners to translate growth plans into actionable programs that boost shopper engagement and retailer performance.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in category management or trade marketing in CPG.
• Experience with Nielsen, IRI, and retailer POS systems.
• Proven cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong data-driven growth track record.

Responsibilities

• Lead category strategy development and translate growth plans into actionable customer/category plans across assortment, shelves and promotions.
• Define targets, monitor performance, and optimize execution to drive category and brand success.
• Develop strategic recommendations for product assortment, promotions, and in-store visibility to boost shopper engagement and sales.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Sales to ensure category strategies align with brand strategies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication & presentation

Shopper behavior analysis

In-store marketing strategies

Tools

Nielsen

IRI

POS systems

Job description

The Category Development Manager plays a leading role in the strategic and operational execution of category management initiatives, driving the growth and profitability of Lotus Bakeries' brands by aligning category strategies with corporate objectives and market opportunities. Central to this role is the close collaboration with Sales, Marketing, and external retail partners to develop and implement category growth strategies. These strategies enhance shopper engagement, optimize in-store performance, and strengthen retailer relationships. This is achieved through the creation of compelling category growth stories, utilizing data sources such as Nielsen, and internal account-level insights to deliver actionable opportunities for growth across our retail channels.

• Act as key parner for sales teams, translating the national growth strategy into actionable customer/category plans across assortment, shelves and promotions.
• Define targets, track performance, and optimize execution to drive category and brand success
• Develop strategic recommendations for product assortment, promotional plans, and in-store visibility to optimize shopper engagement and sales performance.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Sales to ensure alignment of category strategies with brand strategies.

Job description

Category Management Strategy

• Act as key parner for sales teams, translating the national growth strategy into actionable customer/category plans across assortment, shelves and promotions.
• Define targets, track performance, and optimize execution to drive category and brand success
• Develop strategic recommendations for product assortment, promotional plans, and in-store visibility to optimize shopper engagement and sales performance.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Sales to ensure alignment of category strategies with brand strategies.

Business Insights & Analysis

• Analyze multiple data sources, including syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen), retailer POS data, and internal sales metrics, to identify trends, consumer behaviors, and actionable opportunities.
• Provide actionable insights and regular performance updates, including market share, distribution, pricing, and promotional effectiveness, to inform strategic decision-making for internal stakeholders.
• Monitor and assess competitor strategies, market positioning, and emerging trends to make predictive recommendations and stay ahead of the market.
• Turn complex data sets into clear, impactful insights and stories to inform decision-making for internal stakeholders and retail partners.

Process Optimization & Reporting

• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of category strategies.
• Develop tools and processes to monitor performance and provide actionable insights to leadership and stakeholders.
• Utilize data and analytics to refine methodologies, ensure operational efficiency, and drive continuous improvement across category management initiatives.

Profile

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years in Category management, Trade marketing, or a similar role in the CPG industry. Experience within other consumer focused industries with a focus on data analysis/inisghts is also valued.
• Proven experience with syndicated data tools such as Nielsen, IRI, and retailer-specific POS systems.
• Experience in cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong track record of driving category growth through data-driven insights and strategies.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Expertise in shopper behavior analysis and in-store marketing strategies.

"The most rewarding aspect of working at Lotus is the open exchange of diverse ideas and collaborative spirits, both in formal meetings and during our casual lunchtime chats. The atmosphere is one of constant growth, learning, and collegiality."

Do you want to be part of a terrific team with the ambition to create small momentsof happiness every day? Meet our people, discover their unique skills and get excitedto join them in a great work environment.