Category Manager

Advantage Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Training and Career Development

Paid time off

Job summary

Advantage Solutions is seeking a Category Manager who blends data analytics, storytelling, and client engagement to deliver actionable insights that drive retailer ROI.

You will analyze syndicated data, develop insight‑driven recommendations, and present strategic solutions to clients, while collaborating with internal teams and traveling up to 15% as needed. Experience with IRI/Nielsen and MS Office is preferred for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Math, Statistics, Economics, or equivalent experience.
• 2-4 years in a sales/marketing agency, CPG provider, retailer, or manufacturer.
• Ability to work with large data sets and analytics.
• Experience with syndicated data platforms such as IRI and Nielsen (preferred).
• Experience with shopper panel data and geodemographic data (preferred).
• Understanding of Category Management principles (assortment, pricing, promotion, shelving).
• Independent, well-organized, detail-oriented, and strong communicator.

Responsibilities

• Utilize data metrics and analytics to identify opportunities and deliver insights.
• Prioritize tasks focusing on strategic activities to maximize ROI.
• Engage with customers, clients, and internal teams to understand strategies.
• Leverage data to optimize new product introductions, distribution, shelving, pricing, and promos.
• Create insight-driven presentations with actionable tactics and storytelling.
• Contribute to the RAVE process focusing on measurable value with customers.
• Travel up to 15% of the time; driving not essential.

Skills

Data analytics

Storytelling

Client engagement

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Math/Statistics/Economics

Tools

Microsoft Office

IRI/Nielsen experience

Job description

Summary

Category Manager – a role that blends data analytics, storytelling, and client engagement to deliver actionable insights. The position requires understanding retailer processes, available data, and client objectives to develop and present solutions that drive ROI.

Job Locations

• Dallas, TX
• Fort Worth, TX
• Chicago, IL
• Minneapolis, MN
• Saint Louis, MO

Responsibilities

• Utilize a broad range of data metrics, tools, and analytics to identify opportunities and deliver insights to customers and clients.
• Prioritize tasks with a focus on strategic versus tactical activities to maximize ROI.
• Engage with customers, clients, and internal teams to understand strategies and objectives.
• Leverage syndicated scan data, panel data, and geodemographic data to optimize new product introductions, distribution, shelving, pricing, and promotional strategies.
• Create insight‑driven presentations with actionable tactics and storytelling that adhere to the company’s branding guidelines.
• Contribute to the RAVE process, focusing efforts on measurable value creation with customers and clients.
• Travel up to 15% of the time; driving is not an essential duty.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Math, Statistics, Economics, or equivalent experience.
• 2‑4 years of experience in a sales and marketing agency or CPG industry solution provider, retailer, or manufacturer.
• Demonstrated ability to work with large data sets; strong appetite for numbers and analytics.
• Experience with syndicated data platforms such as IRI and Nielsen (preferred).
• Experience with shopper panel data and geodemographic data sets (preferred).
• Understanding and application of Category Management principles (analysis of assortment, pricing, promotion, shelving, shopper).
• Intellectually curious, quick learner, and adept at problem solving.
• Well‑organized with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Training and Career Development opportunities.
• Generous Paid Time‑Off.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by law. The Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable qualified applicants or employees to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.