Category Manager

Lindt & Sprüngli USA; Stratham (NH); On-site; USD 108,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Lindt USA is seeking a seasoned Category Manager to expand Lindt's category influence with ADUSA, focusing on distribution, placement, and merchandising excellence. You will act as a strategic partner, delivering shopper insights to maximize growth across the Grocery channel.

Based in the New England, PA, or NC regions, you will lead category plans, develop seasonal selling stories, and synthesize data to drive retailer strategies and Lindt objectives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years Category Management and analytical experience.
• Experience mining data systems such as Circana/IRI, Nielsen Suite/IQ, Numerator.
• CPG experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead category management initiatives and provide insights to improve Lindt's performance.
• Develop and present strategic selling stories and planograms.
• Synthesize data from POS, panel, shopper data to craft actionable insights.

Skills

Advanced Excel

PowerPoint

Analytical skills

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Planogram writing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Circana/IRI

Nielsen

Numerator

Retail Link

Kantar

Blue Yonder JDA Space Planning Suite

Syndigo

Circana FSP

Job description

Who We Are

At Lindt, we are a global fast-growing consumer goods company, enchanting the world with premium chocolate. We are driven by our passion for excellence and go the extra mile ensuring that every Lindt experience is nothing short of exceptional. Our collective efforts are geared towards making a positive impact, not only in the world of premium chocolate but also in the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. Our company embraces a culture defined by the core values of Excellence, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Responsibility, and Collaboration, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment where these principles drive our success.

Who We Are

At Lindt, we are a global fast-growing consumer goods company, enchanting the world with premium chocolate. We are driven by our passion for excellence and go the extra mile ensuring that every Lindt experience is nothing short of exceptional. Our collective efforts are geared towards making a positive impact, not only in the world of premium chocolate but also in the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. Our company embraces a culture defined by the core values of Excellence, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Responsibility, and Collaboration, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment where these principles drive our success.

Position Purpose

The individual in this role will help Lindt expand category influence, grow sales and deliver against category management specific KPIs such as distribution, secondary placement and best in class merchandising. This will be accomplished by acting as a strategic partner for ADUSA by providing best in class shopper insights and analytics to maximize category growth.

This role can be based in the New England, PA, or North/South Carolina regions.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

Category Management

• Ensure expertise in customer strategy and shopper behavior across relevant confection segments (impulse, gifting, dark chocolate, indulgence, etc.) to influence business planning initiatives and plans that mutually grow KPIs for Lindt and the category.
• Bring best in class shopper insights to ADUSA, to influence customer strategy and support Lindt initiatives.
• Support Lindt strategy and selling initiatives through the development of a best in class Grocery channel strategy and selling stories that are tailored to be specific to key retailers. This includes analyzing and synthesizing syndicated and shopper data coupled with trend and shopper insight information.
• Act as a consultant and strategic partner to ADUSA providing unbiased recommendations to drive overall category growth.
• Develop strategic planogram recommendations, combining proven merchandising theory, retailer case studies and Lindt strategy with solid analysis to maximize category sales.
• Synthesize multiple data sources including POS, Panel, Shopper card and Insights to craft compelling, concise and actionable selling stories. Lead the creation of everyday line reviews, seasonal reviews and check lane reviews.
• Play a leadership role in conducting category management reviews, analyzing business issues, and providing business insights and recommendations in the areas of assortment, pricing, and promotion to improve business results.
• Present analysis, trend information and category opportunities directly to ADUSA building a strong relationship directly with the buyers or retailer category managers to influence retailer strategy and support Lindt business objectives.
• In collaboration with the Category team and specific Brand Managers, lead the creation of seasonal and key initiative selling presentations contributing insights while also combining inputs into a comprehensive selling story.

Sales & Marketing Support

• Influence the development of strategic sales and category action plans for the Grocery channel through the sharing of knowledge gained from customer specific shopper card information. Help to establish priorities that are consistent with Lindt and key account goals and objectives, market share and overall category profitability.
• Actively participate in weekly team calls or meetings with respective Sales Managers and/or Marketing.

Research and Analysis

• Serve as the expert on the Grocery Channel and ADUSA by fully understanding shopper motivations, triggers and barriers through available shopper card, custom research or panel information.
• Be the information expert in the analysis of syndicated data, shopper card data, household panel data, and customer point of sale data, leading to key insights and business recommendations in the areas of item distribution and assortment, pricing and promotion.

Experience

Qualifications & Requirements

• 5+ years Category Management and analytical experience.
• 5+ years experience mining data systems, such as:
• Circana/IRI, Nielsen Suite/ IQ, Numerator
• Info Retriever, Retail Link, Kantar, Blue Yonder JDA Space Planning Suite, Syndigo
• Circana FSP
• CPG experience

Skills & Knowledge

• Experience in using retailer shopper card portals (i.e. EYC, 84.51, Symphony AI, etc)
• Advanced computer skills; advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint.
• Advanced analytical and reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently to complete projects in a timely fashion.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Demonstrated success in cross functional work environments.
• Ability to problem solve and multi-task in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Planogram building & writing experience (i.e. Blue Yonder JDA Space Planning Suite)

Education

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master’s degree in related field, preferred

Other Requirements

• Travel ~25%

Compensation Range

Compensation Range: $108,000.00-$137,000.00

Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The company will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.

Lindt USA’s salary range reflects market rates based on our size, revenue, and location. Starting pay is determined using a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, job-related skills, knowledge, and experience as well as market conditions. A bonus and/or long-term incentive may be included as part of this compensation package.

Lindt and Sprüngli is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or any other classification protected by state, local or federal law. Applicants for this position must successfully pass a background screening and may be required to pass drug screenings as well.

Join us on our journey of excellence, impact, and growth