Category Management Manager

Nestlé S.A.; Arlington, Northern (VA, KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company match

Healthcare coverage

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

Nestlé USA’s Coffee & Beverage Division is actively seeking a seasoned Category Development professional to lead relationships with key customers, guide category strategies, and drive growth across retailers nationwide. The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, collaboration with Sales, Marketing, and Finance, and a focus on shelf optimization and shopper insights.

Ideal candidates bring 7+ years in category development or management in the CPG space, strong Excel/PowerPoint skills, and

Qualifications

• University Degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience and minimum 3 years of related work experience.
• Advanced MS Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Analytical experience with Circana and/or other omni syndicated data preferred.
• 7+ years of relevant work experience in category, sales, marketing, etc.
• 3+ years work experience in Category Development / Category Management roles in the CPG industry
• 2+ years of experience leading others preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, based upon short-and long-term category strategies aligned to customer needs and business objectives.
• Identify trends based on, consumer preferences, shopper insights and competitor activity to deliver actionable strategies and opportunities for category growth.
• Work closely with the sales team to align category strategies with sales objectives, ensuring effective execution in the field and driving customer satisfaction.
• Analyze sales data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of category initiatives, making data-driven decisions to optimize performance.
• Develop and implement comprehensive category plans that encompass product assortment, pricing, promotional activities and placement strategies to maximize strategic growth initiatives.
• Contributes to building a cohesive culture and team connections across cross-functional teams (e.g., Sales, HQ, Shopper Marketing, Finance, etc.)
• Partner with cross-functional teams on strategic projects and customer presentations, enabling C&B to build credibility and influence as the coffee/category authority

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Education

BA/BS or equivalent

Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Circana

Job description

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow. At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Position Summary

Nestlé USA’s Coffee & Beverage Division is on a mission to craft cups that uplift our consumers and better our communities. With brands like Starbucks, Coffee-Mate, Nescafé, Nesquik, Natural Bliss, and Seattle’s Best Coffee, our diverse product portfolio is brimming with rich and fulfilling opportunities for motivated individuals. Our offices provide an inspiring and high-energy work environment that fuels our fast-paced growth, and our field-based positions across the country ensure that we are fully immersed and positioned to pioneer the coffee and beverage market. Across our organization, we are creating a workplace where collaboration is essential, courage is rewarded, speed is expected, and agility is the norm in order to delight our consumers and shoppers every single day. Together, we will elevate everyday moments with each sip.

RESPONSIBILITIES

LEADERSHIP

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, based upon short-and long-term category strategies aligned to customer needs and business objectives.
• Identify trends based on, consumer preferences, shopper insights and competitor activity to deliver actionable strategies and opportunities for category growth.
• Work closely with the sales team to align category strategies with sales objectives, ensuring effective execution in the field and driving customer satisfaction.
• Analyze sales data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of category initiatives, making data-driven decisions to optimize performance.
• Develop and implement comprehensive category plans that encompass product assortment, pricing, promotional activities and placement strategies to maximize strategic growth initiatives.
• Contributes to building a cohesive culture and team connections across cross-functional teams (e.g., Sales, HQ, Shopper Marketing, Finance, etc.)
• Partner with cross-functional teams on strategic projects and customer presentations, enabling C&B to build credibility and influence as the coffee/category authority

STRATEGY

• Interprets shopper and consumer research to drive category focused shopper solutions for key customers.
• Leads the assortment precision analytics to define optimal best-in-class shelf assortment utilizing analytics tools and make aisle flow recommendations
• Provide strategic and tactical direction to customer on how to orchestrate the shelf, rooting guidance in shopper insights, business impact & the future of coffee growth
• Identifies coffee & beverage growth opportunities grounded in a strong understanding of customer’s shopper and in collaboration with cross-functional teams, shopper insights and business analytics

PLANNING AND EXECUTION

• Developing strategic and operational plans for the work group, leading execution, and measuring results
• Works closely with manager to craft annual strategic priorities and goals for the organization
• Works closely with commercial development and brand marketing partners to identify strategic opportunities and sell in across retailers

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• University Degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience and minimum 3 years of related work experience
• Advanced MS Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Analytical experience with Circana and/or other omni syndicated data preferred
• 7+ years of relevant work experience in category, sales, marketing, etc.
• 3+ years work experience in Category Development / Category Management roles in the CPG industry
• 2+ years of experience leading others preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline

Key Behaviors

• Shows relentless curiosity and proactively shares ideas with teams.
• Effectively distills large swaths of data into compelling and straight-forward narratives
• Takes a lead role with stakeholders to confidently voice and advocate support for key opportunities.
• Takes initiative to build ongoing connections outside of immediate team for professional development and solving for complex challenges.
• Comfortable and effective at communicating/presenting to more senior audiences.

#LI-Hybrid

Salary:$120,480.00 to$159,346.00 per year

Bonus Eligibility:Yes

The pay rangeprovided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.

Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more athttps://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace. To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

Nearest Major Market: Arlington Virginia

Nearest Secondary Market: Washington DC