Hybrid Director, Space Planning & Category Solutions

Acosta; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Acosta Group is seeking a Director of Space Planning to lead a regional team and partner with a major grocery retailer. This hybrid role focuses on overseeing planogram and floor planning, analytics, and strategic category solutions to drive merchandising effectiveness and business growth.

The candidate will manage budgets, resources, and client relationships, delivering innovative space management strategies while leveraging AI-enabled tools for continuous improvement and scalable results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of experience in Space Planning, Category Management, Retail Analytics, or a related field.
• 2+ years of people leadership experience.
• Expertise supporting Walmart category reviews, MOD development, and relay processes.
• Advanced proficiency with Blue Yonder Space Planning and Floor Planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Space Planning professionals supporting a major regional grocery retailer.
• Oversee space planning, planogram development, merchandising, and category management initiatives.
• Manage team performance, coaching, talent development, succession planning, and staffing needs.
• Ensure projects, deliverables, and service commitments are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Drive operational efficiency through resource planning, workload management, and process improvement.
• Manage financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, productivity, and resource utilization.
• Partner with client and internal leadership to identify growth opportunities and deliver strategic solutions.
• Leverage analytics, automation, AI-enabled tools, and industry best practices to enhance productivity and service quality.
• Communicate business performance, project updates, risks, and recommendations to client and company leadership.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Space Planning

Team Leadership

Analytics

Budgeting

Client Relationship Management

Forecasting

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Blue Yonder Space Planning

Blue Yonder Floor Planning

Nuqleous Shelf IQ

Crisp Mission Control

Blue Yonder POG Generator

Job description

Acosta Group is seeking a Director of Space Planning to lead a regional team and partner with a major grocery retailer. This hybrid role focuses on overseeing planogram and floor planning, analytics, and strategic category solutions to drive merchandising effectiveness and business growth.

The candidate will manage budgets, resources, and client relationships, delivering innovative space management strategies while leveraging AI-enabled tools for continuous improvement and scalable results.