Director of Category Management

Flowers Foods; United States; Remote; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Flowers Foods, Inc. is seeking a Director of Category Management to lead category plans, partner with sales, marketing, and supply chain, and drive assortment, pricing, and shelf optimization across key brands.

The role focuses on leveraging consumer insights and retailer data to improve profitability and growth. The position requires 7–10 years in category management within the CPD industry, with experience in leading teams and managing budgets.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressive experience in category management in the CPG industry.
• 3+ years managing teams or leading category initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills using syndicated data and market research tools.
• Proven ability to build relationships with retail partners.
• Education: bachelor's required; master's recommended.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category plans aligned to company strategy.
• Lead category managers and coordinate with sales, marketing, and supply chain.
• Advise on assortment, pricing, promotions, and shelf execution.
• Use data and insights to identify growth opportunities and risks.
• Guide retailer reviews and drive joint planning with partners.
• Manage budget and deliverables for category initiatives.
• Coach and develop team members in analytics and presentations.
• Monitor KPI performance and adjust plans as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize distribution.

Skills

Category management

Team leadership

Data analysis

Retailer relationships

Market research

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Circana

Nielsen

Salesforce

Job description

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) is not just about baking; it's about crafting moments of joy with every delicious bite. With 2025 sales of $5.3 billion, and as one of the leading producers of packaged bakery goods in the United States, Flowers Foods brings passion to the table. From the wholesome goodness of Nature's Own and Wonder to the bold and artisanal flavors of Dave's Killer Bread, the rustic goodness of Canyon Bakehouse, and the sweet delights of Tastykake, each product is a celebration of taste and quality. Beyond the oven, Flowers Foods fosters a culture that values and reflects Honesty & Integrity, Respect & Inclusion, Sustainability, Passion, and Humility. With a commitment to innovation and a recipe for success, Flowers Foods is more than a bakery - it's a delightful journey into the heart of flavor and community.

Full-time employees are offered the following benefits:

• Comprehensive health and medical benefits
• 401(k) Retirement savings plan
• Professional growth and leadership training
• Paid vacation, holidays, and parental leave

Benefits may vary depending on your work location.

Position Summary:

The Director of Category Management leads the development and execution of category plans for assigned product categories, translating company objectives into actionable recommendations that support category growth and profitability. This role manages category managers and partners with sales, marketing, Revenue Growth Management, supply chain, and product development to improve assortment, pricing and promotion recommendations, and shelf execution. The Director uses consumer and shopper insights, market trends, competitive intelligence, and retailer data to identify opportunities, guide customer-facing category work, and monitor results.

Rising to the Challenge: Position Responsibilities

• Category Strategy Development: Develop and execute plans for assigned categories within company strategy, integrating recommendations for assortment, pricing, promotions, distribution, and shelf placement (space quality and quantity).
• Market Analysis & Insights: Guide category managers in using syndicated data (e.g., Circana), consumer research, shopper insights, and competitive intelligence to assess market size, growth drivers, priority segments, purchase drivers, usage occasions, and unmet needs. Evaluate competitors’ share, pricing, promotions, and offerings, translating findings into category recommendations and customer presentations.
• Retailer Collaboration: Manage category relationships with assigned retail partners, supporting joint business planning, leading category reviews, and recommending assortment, shelf, and promotional improvements that support mutual growth.
• Team Leadership & Development: Manage, coach, and develop category managers. Set work priorities and clear deliverables, identify skill gaps, and provide training in category management, data analysis, space planning, and customer presentations.
• Pricing & Promotion Strategy: In collaboration with Revenue Growth Management, develop data-driven pricing and promotional recommendations, support execution of approved plans, and evaluate results to improve profitability and competitive positioning.
• Assortment & Distribution Optimization: Evaluate product performance, profitability, consumer demand, distribution gaps, and channel performance. Recommend assortment additions, renovations, discontinuations, and distribution opportunities to the appropriate decision-makers. Partner with sales and retail teams to implement approved changes and monitor results.
• Shelf Space Management: Lead the development of shelf space and product placement recommendations that improve visibility and category performance. Coordinate space planning work and support retailer implementation.
• Forecasting & Planning: Provide category trends, promotional insights, and assortment assumptions to sales and supply chain to support sales forecasts and product availability. Flag material changes in demand and emerging risks.
• Budget Management: Manage the assigned category management budget within approved limits, prioritize resources against agreed initiatives, and elevate additional resource needs or spending variances.
• Performance Monitoring & Risk Assessment: Track category KPIs and initiative results, assess potential market changes and risks, and recommend corrective actions or contingency responses.

Knead to Know: Preferred Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressive experience in category management within the CPG industry, including at least 3 years managing teams or leading category initiatives.
• Strong working knowledge of category management principles, practices, and methodologies, with demonstrated ability to translate strategy into category and customer plans.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, Circana) and other market research tools.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with retail partners.
• Demonstrated people management and coaching skills, with experience setting priorities, developing team capabilities, and delivering category initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree in related field is required. Master's degree in related field is recommended.

Salary Range- 140000 - 170000

We offer a competitive salary up to $170k and an excellent total rewards package. Interested job seekers who successfully complete the series of pre-screening questions and who appear to possess the basic qualifications for this position may be contacted for a telephone interview.

EEO Statement

Flowers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Flowers encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or people of any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The job description above outlines the general nature and level of work expected from employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this position. Equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills may supplement above minimum job requirements.

If you need assistance with submitting your resume due to a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to Matthew West at [e-mail].

Job Segment: Marketing Manager, Supply Chain, Market Research, Manager, Data Analyst, Marketing, Operations, Management, Data

Flowers Foods' diverse work force of talented, dedicated employees is one of the company's most valuable assets. Flowers Foods provides excellent career opportunities and training in production, management, sales, and other areas. We provide competitive salaries and benefits and a pleasant working environment. Each Flowers bakery and sales company is an independent subsidiary and handles its own hiring through its human resources department. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability.