Category Manager (Small Format)

Acosta; Marlborough (MA); Hybrid; USD 72,600 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Acosta seeks a data-driven professional for a hybrid role on the East Coast, combining on-site collaboration with remote work. You will create category‑centric selling stories, provide analytical support, and own client relationships to drive category management decisions.

You will manage multiple requests and reporting routines, act as a trusted advisor, and develop presentations using syndicated and panel data to influence business outcomes. Strong data-mining and Excel skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Category Management Certification preferred; related work experience can substitute for education.
• 3+ years of related work experience in category management or analytics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data to develop insights-based analysis and recommendations aligned to strategies and objectives.
• Independently develop and maintain client-specific reporting to measure performance.
• Build sales presentations using syndicated and other data sources to address business issues.
• Maintain regular client meetings to serve as a trusted advisor and ensure KPI understanding.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver category-management solutions.
• Ensure connectivity with clients to understand KPIs and innovation.

Skills

Excel

PowerPoint

VBA & Macros

Power BI

Syndicated data

Data mining

CPG math

Communication

Project management

Stakeholder management

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Category Management Certification (preferred)

Tools

Circana (IRI)

Nielsen

84.51

Market 6

Stratum

Job description

This role is #Hybrid on the East Coast, working onsite 3 days per week. As an integral part of the team, you will create category‑centric selling stories, provide analytical support to answer business questions, or understand the impact of category‑management‑driven decisions on the business, and own the relationship.

You will also manage multiple requests, projects, and reporting routines by taking a proactive approach to thought leadership with the client.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data to develop insights‑based analysis / projects with recommendations focused on strategies and objectives
• Experience using technical software: Circana (IRI), Nielsen, 84.51, Market 6, or Stratum
• Participate in the category review process working with other cross‑functional teams to provide complete category‑management solutions
• Independently develop and maintain client‑specific reporting that measures performance against strategies and objectives
• Work closely and often with assigned clients and business managers by setting up regular meetings to become a trusted advisor
• Build solid sales presentations using syndicated, panel, basket, shopper, and other sources of data that provide solutions and recommendations to address business issues
• Maintain connectivity with clients to ensure understanding of KPIs, innovation, and other important information

Qualifications

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED
• Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)
• Category Management Certification (preferred)
• Related work experience can be substituted for the educational requirement

Work Experience Requirements

• 3+ years related work experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements

• Advanced degree of proficiency in Windows and related software applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, VB, and advanced macros. Knowledge of Power BI would be a strong asset.
• Experience with syndicated data and/or space management tools.
• Identify and leverage relevant data to diagnose situations and identify potential solutions.
• Effectively and independently conduct data mining utilizing CPG math concepts and tools.
• Communicates clearly and effectively while understanding and adapting to the audience.
• Independently manage project plans and assume responsibility for tracking, communication and timing.
• Recognize problems and issues and identify the information needed to diagnose.
• Drive to meet the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders.
• Execute strategic objectives and provide input as needed to keep priorities on track.

About Us

Acosta Group is a collective uniting the most trusted retail, marketing, and foodservice agencies—Acosta, ActionLink, CORE Foodservice, CROSSMARK, Mosaic, Premium Retail Services, and Product Connections. Together, we connect consumers with the brands they love through omnichannel selling, merchandising, brand advocacy, and integrated marketing.

We recognize our associates are the foundation of our success. That’s why we prioritize your growth, development, and well‑being to help you reach your full potential. With programs designed to support a fulfilling work‑life balance, we offer opportunities that fit your lifestyle and ambitions—whether you’re looking for part‑time flexibility or full‑time career advancement.

Acosta Group is an equal‑opportunity employer and will ensure that applicants with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact [e-mail]. Be sure to include "Applicant Accommodation" in the subject of your email to expedite the request.

Acosta Group believes in good faith that the minimum and maximum annual salary or hourly compensation range for this opportunity is accurate and reasonable at the time of posting.

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Job Details

Job Category: Marketing
Position Type: Full time
Business Unit: Sales
Salary Range: $72,600.00—$900,000.00
Company: Acosta Employee Holdco LLC
Req ID: 34931
Employer Description: USACOSTAGRPEMPDESC