Category Development Manager

ForceBrands; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ForceBrands in San Francisco seeks a Category Development Manager to lead category management initiatives that drive brand growth, profitability, and retail performance. You will transform market data into compelling category strategies that strengthen shopper engagement and retailer relationships.

You will collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and retail partners to translate national growth plans into actionable customer plans, track KPIs, and deliver insights that optimize assortment, shelving,

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in category management or trade marketing within CPG.
• Data-driven mindset with proven insights to drive growth.
• Experience with syndicated data platforms (Nielsen/IRI) and POS systems.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Translate growth strategies into actionable customer and category plans across assortment, shelving, pricing, promotions, and in-store visibility.
• Establish category targets, monitor performance, and refine execution to support category and brand growth.
• Develop strategic recommendations that improve shopper engagement and sales performance.
• Partner with Sales and Marketing to align category strategies with broader brand and business objectives.
• Analyze syndicated data, retailer POS information, and internal sales metrics to identify trends, shopper behaviors, and growth opportunities.
• Deliver regular performance reporting across market share, distribution, pricing, and promotional effectiveness.
• Evaluate competitor activity, market positioning, and emerging trends to develop forward-looking recommendations.
• Translate complex data into clear, persuasive category stories for internal stakeholders and retail partners.
• Establish and track KPIs that measure the success of category strategies and initiatives.
• Develop reporting tools and processes that provide leadership and key stakeholders with actionable insights.
• Use analytics to improve category management methodologies, operational efficiency, and overall execution.

Skills

Category management

Trade marketing

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Presentation skills

Tools

Nielsen/IRI

POS systems

Job description

A growing consumer products company is seeking a Category Development Manager to lead category management initiatives that increase brand growth, profitability, and retail performance. This role will partner closely with Sales, Marketing, and retail stakeholders to transform market and account-level data into compelling strategies that strengthen shopper engagement and customer relationships.

Responsibilities

• Translate national growth strategies into actionable customer and category plans across assortment, shelving, pricing, promotions, and in-store visibility
• Establish category targets, monitor performance, and refine execution to support category and brand growth
• Develop strategic recommendations that improve shopper engagement and sales performance
• Partner with Sales and Marketing to align category strategies with broader brand and business objectives
• Analyze syndicated data, retailer POS information, and internal sales metrics to identify trends, shopper behaviors, and growth opportunities
• Deliver regular performance reporting across market share, distribution, pricing, and promotional effectiveness
• Evaluate competitor activity, market positioning, and emerging trends to develop forward-looking recommendations
• Translate complex data into clear, persuasive category stories for internal stakeholders and retail partners
• Establish and track KPIs that measure the success of category strategies and initiatives
• Develop reporting tools and processes that provide leadership and key stakeholders with actionable insights
• Use analytics to improve category management methodologies, operational efficiency, and overall execution

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in category management, trade marketing, consumer insights, or a related role within the CPG industry
• Experience in another consumer-focused industry may be considered with a strong background in data analysis and insights
• Proficiency with syndicated data platforms such as Nielsen or IRI and retailer-specific POS systems
• Demonstrated success using data-driven strategies to generate category growth
• Experience collaborating across Sales, Marketing, and other cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to convert complex information into actionable recommendations
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Strong understanding of shopper behavior and in-store marketing strategies