Category Manager

The CPG by MPG; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Market Performance Group (MPG), a national leader in omnichannel strategy and retail services, is seeking a strategic Category Manager to lead growth and performance across our retail partners. You’ll be the shopper behavior expert, translating data into actionable category plans with Merchandising, Inventory, and Space Planning.

Based in Minneapolis, you will build plans with retailers, optimize assortments, planograms, pricing, and promotions, and deliver insights from Nielsen, Circana, and

Qualifications

• Proven track record working with major retailers, preferably Target.
• 4–7 years of category management or trade marketing experience within the CPG industry.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data tools (e.g., Nielsen, Circana, Numerator, Greenfield (VIQ)).
• Proficiency with planogram software (Blue Yonder/JDA).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
• Ability to translate complex data into compelling business stories.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across teams and retailer partners.
• Strategic thinker with a bias for action and results.

Responsibilities

• Drive Category Strategy: Develop and execute category strategies that align with both company and retailer goals, leveraging consumer insights, market data, and competitive trends.
• Lead Retailer Collaboration: Partner with key retail customers to build category plans, support joint business planning, and identify opportunities for mutual growth.
• Analyze & Report Performance: Monitor sales, share, and margin KPIs; deliver insights to inform assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.
• Optimize Assortment: Recommend product mix, placement, and innovation strategies based on shopper needs and category trends.
• Planogram Building: Bring the category strategy to life through the development and execution of both virtual and physical planograms.
• Manage Pricing & Promotions: Develop data-driven pricing and promotional plans that improve category performance and strengthen brand positioning.
• Partner Cross-Functionally: Work closely with Buyers, Planners, Inventory, and Space Planning teams to ensure cohesive execution of category initiatives.
• Provide Shopper & Market Insights: Translate syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, Circana, Numerator) into actionable insights to drive category growth and retailer relationships.
• Influence Decisions: Act as the category expert — guiding internal stakeholders and retail partners with fact-based recommendations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Strategic thinking

Influencing

Tools

Nielsen

Circana

Numerator

Greenfield (VIQ)

Blue Yonder/JDA

Job description

Deep Dive is a business intelligence and insights agency where data meets creativity — and retail ideas come to life. We partner with retailers as category captains and trusted advisors to shape category and channel strategies that grow sales, market share, and shopper love.

Think of us as an extension of the merchant team — your go-to crew for turning insights into action at retail. From planograms and reporting to data analytics, insights, and strategy building, we do it all under one roof.

What drives us? Curiosity, collaboration, and a passion for retail. We ask questions, dig deeper, and listen closely to uncover what really moves shoppers. By blending the art and science of retail, we build merchandising strategies designed to win — in every aisle, every store, every day.

As part of Market Performance Group (MPG) — a national leader in omnichannel strategy, commercialization, and retail services — we bring the scale, relationships, and expertise of a proven industry powerhouse, paired with the agility and entrepreneurial energy of a local team that loves what we do.

We’re growing fast, and we’re looking for people who thrive on collaboration, creativity, and impact. If you love working with retailers, solving problems, and seeing your work come to life in real stores and digital aisles — you’ll fit right in.

Position Overview

We’re looking for a strategic and insights-driven Category Manager to lead category growth and performance across our retail partners. In this role, you’ll act as the expert on shopper behavior, market trends, and retailer dynamics — shaping category strategies that drive sales, share, and profitability. You’ll work cross-functionally with Merchandising, Inventory, and Space Planning teams to translate data into actionable strategies that strengthens category performance in-store and online.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Category Strategy: Develop and execute category strategies that align with both company and retailer goals, leveraging consumer insights, market data, and competitive trends.
• Lead Retailer Collaboration: Partner with key retail customers to build category plans, support joint business planning, and identify opportunities for mutual growth.
• Analyze & Report Performance: Monitor sales, share, and margin KPIs; deliver insights to inform assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.
• Optimize Assortment: Recommend product mix, placement, and innovation strategies based on shopper needs and category trends.
• Planogram Building: Bring the category strategy to life through the development and execution of both virtual and physical planograms.
• Manage Pricing & Promotions: Develop data-driven pricing and promotional plans that improve category performance and strengthen brand positioning.
• Partner Cross-Functionally: Work closely with Buyers, Planners, Inventory, and Space Planning teams to ensure cohesive execution of category initiatives.
• Provide Shopper & Market Insights: Translate syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, Circana, Numerator) into actionable insights to drive category growth and retailer relationships.
• Influence Decisions: Act as the category expert — guiding internal stakeholders and retail partners with fact-based recommendations.

Required Experience And Education

• Proven track record working with major retailers, preferably Target
• 4–7 years of category management or trade marketing experience within the CPG industry.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data tools (e.g., Nielsen, Circana, Numerator, Greenfield (VIQ).
• Proficiency with planogram software (Blue Yonder/JDA).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
• Ability to translate complex data into compelling business stories.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across teams and retailer partners.
• Strategic thinker with a bias for action and results.

Compensation

The expected base salary range for this position is $90,000 - $130,000 annually, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications. In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for performance-based bonuses and other compensation programs.

MPG offers a generous package of health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, paid maternity/paternity leave and life insurance. Our compensation program provides market industry base salary, bonuses, and 401K. In addition to paid holidays, we reward an employee’s extra efforts through unlimited paid time off.

Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to ensuring that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is a part of our DNA. We embrace the beauty in all of the unique qualities of our employees, communities and clients. MPG’s DEIB efforts empower us to collectively reach our full potential by fueling innovation, connection, and growth. We recognize the value of having a diverse and engaged team. We are an organization driven by PEOPLE. We believe that by leveraging the unique perspectives and experiences of our employees, MPG can unlock more comprehensive, innovative, and long-standing results for both our client and retailer partners. We will always strive for improvement and thus we have made intentional commitments to further champion DEIB. The foundation of our pledge starts with our promise to each other, our clients, and the community.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodation

It is MPG’s practice to provide and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex or gender, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, family medical history, genetic information or other protected medical condition, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by and in accordance with applicable laws. We are dedicated to creating an accessible and inclusive application and selection process. Should you require accommodation during the recruitment or hiring process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail] and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.