Deep Dive | Sr. Category Analyst

The CPG by MPG; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Maternity/Paternity leave

Life insurance

Unlimited paid time off

Job summary

MPG is seeking a Category Analyst to turn data into growth stories for retail partners. You will analyze category performance, support strategy, and build dashboards to drive assortment and pricing decisions.

Based near Minneapolis, MN, this hybrid role offers collaboration with Category Managers, cross-functional teams, and opportunities to influence promotions and shelf strategy within major retailers like Target.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years in category management or trade marketing in the CPG industry
• Experience with major retailers, preferably Target
• Strong data interpretation and storytelling
• Proficiency with planogram software Blue Yonder/JDA
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Ability to translate data into business insights

Responsibilities

• Analyze category performance using syndicated data
• Support development of retailer-specific category strategies
• Build reports and dashboards tracking sales and share
• Translate data into clear insights and visuals
• Assist with assortment productivity and planogram updates
• Support post-promotion pricing analysis

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data storytelling

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, analytics, marketing, or related field

Tools

Nielsen

Circana

Numerator

Greenfield VIQ

Blue Yonder/JDA

Job description

Position Overview

We're looking for a motivated and analytical Category Analyst to support the category management team in driving growth and insights across our retail partners. In this role, you’ll turn data into meaningful stories — helping the team understand performance drivers, market trends, and shopper behaviors. You’ll work closely with Category Managers, to provide data-driven recommendations that improve assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies. This position is required to be based near Minneapolis, MN and is a hybrid role.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze Category Performance: Pull, organize, and interpret syndicated and retailer data (Nielsen, Circana, Numerator, Greenfield/VIQ) to evaluate category, brand, and item performance.
• Support Category Strategy: Partner with Category Managers to assist in developing retailer‑specific category strategies and business reviews.
• Build Reports & Dashboards: Maintain and update regular reports, scorecards, and dashboards that track key sales and share metrics.
• Identify Insights: Translate data into clear insights and visualizations that tell the story behind business trends and shopper behavior.
• Assortment & Merchandising Support: Assist in SKU productivity analysis, assortment recommendations, and planogram updates.
• Promotional & Pricing Analysis: Support post‑promotion evaluations and provide insights on pricing strategy effectiveness.

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 $80,000 - $85,000 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.