Category Manager

Advantage Solutions; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) match

Career development

Paid time off

Job summary

Advantage Solutions in Minneapolis, MN is seeking a Category Manager to transform retailer data into actionable insights. You will analyze syndicated data, collaborate with clients, and present strategies that drive ROI across categories.

The position requires 2–4 years in sales/marketing, a Bachelor’s in Marketing/Statistics/Economics, and proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint. Travel up to 15% is expected; full-time benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience analyzing large data sets and delivering insights.
• Familiarity with syndicated data (IRI, Nielsen) and shopper panel data.
• Understanding category-management principles (assortment, pricing, promotion, shelving).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Use data metrics and analytics to identify opportunities and insights.
• Prioritize strategic initiatives to maximize ROI.
• Engage with customers and clients to understand strategies and objectives.
• Develop mutually beneficial solutions for all parties.
• Create insight-driven presentations with actionable tactics.
• Produce storytelling presentations with visuals aligned to branding.
• Support RAVE process focusing on measurable value creation.
• Gather and analyze syndicated scan data and geodemographic data for new products and promotions.
• Travel up to 15% (driving not essential).

Skills

Data analysis

Storytelling

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Math, Statistics, or Economics

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

IRI

Nielsen

Job description

Category Manager

Job Locations: Dallas, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Chicago, IL; Minneapolis, MN; Saint Louis, MO.

Full‑time position. Salary: $55,000–$85,000 per year.

At our Company, we grow People, Brands, and Businesses. We are seeking a dedicated Category Manager whose role requires the ability to understand our retailer’s processes, the data that is available, and our client’s objectives, and to marry the three together with compelling, data‑driven storytelling. This candidate is smart, creative, organized, curious, and confident in presenting ideas and solutions to internal sales associates, clients, and customers. No day is ever the same; the variety of work evolves weekly, but the need to filter different data sets into actionable solutions remains constant.

Benefits

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

Responsibilities

• Utilize a broad range of data metrics, tools, and analytics to identify opportunities and deliver insights.
• Prioritize tasks with a focus on strategic versus tactical activities that deliver stronger ROI.
• Engage with customers and clients to understand strategies and objectives.
• Leverage experience to create mutually beneficial solutions for all parties involved.
• Create insight‑driven presentations with actionable tactics and strategies.
• Develop creative presentations with storytelling, flow, visualizations, headlines, and using company branding guidelines.
• Contribute to the RAVE process, focusing on measurable value creation.
• Perform data collection and analysis using syndicated scan data and basic panel and geodemographic data for new product introductions and promotional strategies.
• Travel up to 15% of the time; driving is not an essential duty.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required or equivalent experience in Marketing, Math, Statistics, or Economics.
• 2–4 years of experience in sales and marketing agency, CPG industry solution provider, retailer, or manufacturer.
• Demonstrated ability to work with large data sets and a strong appetite for numbers and analytics.
• Experience with syndicated data (IRI, Nielsen) and shopper panel data and geodemographic data sets preferred.
• Understanding and application of category‑management principles (analysis of assortment, pricing, promotion, shelving, shopper).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Effective communication skills – written, oral, and interpersonal.
• Microsoft Office proficiency: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

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. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.