Category Manager

Summary

Advantage Sales and Marketing LLC (ASM) is one of North America’s leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. ASM services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.

Job Responsibilities

The Category Manager supports client’s shopper insights managers who are leading custom market research projects, working to synthesize insights and establishing compelling means of disseminating findings to relevant teams throughout the Client’s organization.

The Category Manager does Ad-hoc data pulls and queries from Client’s proprietary syndicated data tracking tool---to inform category stories and strategies at customers, monitor shopper responses to customer tactics, answer customer specific questions, track the success of innovation launches, fill Nielsen data gaps to broaden understanding of the retail landscape. They will development “Basic Training” reports as directed by each Client manager (e.g. succinct decks to inform the organization on relevant topics of broad interest such as shopper groups, retailer activity, etc.)

The Category Manager will work with other relevant data bases, as appropriate ---shopper loyalty card data, syndicated data, specialized data bases (e.g. Amazon data base for online position)

Education

BA/BS degree in Marketing/Social Sciences.

Advanced degree preferred but not required.

Experience

Minimum of 2+ years of increasing market research experience with a proficiency in project management.

Technical experience with consumer panels and/or shopper loyalty card data bases is beneficial.

Prior experience with “retailer” orientation and/or field sales team a strong plus.

Demonstrated success at project management and ability to work independently.

Required Skills

Superior knowledge and application of software packages such as PowerPoint and Excel.

Strong written communications and compelling presentation skills.

Demonstrated ability to ask insight-minded questions, self-motivate and work independently.

Advantage Sales & Marketing, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

Responsibilities

The Category Manager is responsible for providing the integration of syndicated information into graphical presentations and/or category management business reviews across functions within the assigned marketing area. May be responsible for category management at the division level with multiple clients or dedicated to one client. May oversee and lead the work of Category Analysts.

Presentation Development

Finalize all data and organize sales story for presentation to Clients, Customers and/or Business Development Manager by developing business insights that are actionable.

Presentation Delivery

For assigned clients, communicate business opportunities and recommend action plans by working with Clients, Customers, Sr. Managers and/or Business Development Managers.

Assume the Lead Role as part of the Sales Team in presenting insights, strategies and tactics to business partners.

Project/Client Management and Support

Proactively develop business growth opportunities from data analysis and present these to ASM sales team and business partners.

Maintain project schedule by monitoring project progress, coordinating activities, and resolving problems.

Manage and maintain ongoing relationship for category management activities.

Develop Category Management relationships at customers that establish ASM Category Management Team as the go-to resource for Category Management insights and business process Best Practices.

Data Analysis/Interpretation/Application

Determine and quantify primary business opportunities and key drivers by analyzing data and provide recommendations for business improvement/growth Support key business opportunities by recommending solutions based on applicable data Define major business opportunities by prioritizing information to support the goals of our Clients, Customers, and Company.

Data Collection

Provide information for Clients, Customers, and Business Development Managers through the use of syndicated or customer-specific data sources.

Meet specific needs of requesting party by determining appropriate data selection and custom assortment.

Job Requirements

Education College degree or equivalent job-related experience.

Experience

2-4 years of work experience in applicable field (i.e. sales and marketing agency, customer, and/or client.

Skills & Competencies

Strong functional knowledge of Category Management Advanced knowledge of syndicated data and applications.

Strong sales presentation and development skills.

Advanced analytical skills and techniques.

Project management experience.

Ability to understand and interpret data and draw conclusions in order to solve business issues and make recommendations.

Understand legal regulations within category management to maintain compliance in regards to pricing, antitrust laws, etc.

Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects; sets objectives and goals; breaks down work into the process steps; anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks.

Demonstrates commitment to meeting or exceeding customer expectations, effectively solicits and responds to the needs of the customer both external and internal.

Works cooperatively with others toward common group objectives, demonstrates respect for the ideas and contributions of other team members, cultivates positive relationships with other associates, and provides assistance and support to others.

Tools/Software

Advanced PC skills with proficiency in spreadsheets, word processing and presentation software.

Experience using syndicated programs (IRI, Nielsen, etc.)

Familiarity with Planogram software and creating planograms desired.

Other Requirements

Strong understanding and utilization of proper safety techniques and correct use of equipment when appropriate.

Physical Demands

Never (0% of shift): Work in high volume large format retail, grocery or other type of retail store, crawl and/or climb, work in cramped/awkward positions, kneel, push/pull more than ten pounds, operate mechanical machinery, use hand tools/equipment, be exposed to marked changes in temperature and humidity, work in freezer/coolers, be exposed to harmful fumes and/or other pollutants, use feet and/or legs for repetitive motion, use fingers, hands and/or arms for firm grasping and lift and/or carry more than ten pounds.

Occasionally (Up to 33% of time): Stand, walk, bend and/or stoop, push/pull up to ten pounds (sedentary), use fingers, hands and/or arms for finger/hand grip/grasping, and lift and/or carry up to ten pounds (sedentary).

Continuously (66-100% of shift): Work in an office, sit and use hands, fingers and/or arms for fine manipulation (typing-keyboards/handhelds) and repetitive motion.

Job duties include additional responsibilities as assigned by one’s supervisor or other manager related to the position/department. This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. ASM reserves the right at any time with or without notice to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job position or assign additional job responsibilities, subject to applicable law.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of associates so classified.

Are you passionate about Service Excellence, Results, Integrity, Entrepreneurial Focus and Leadership: These are our values at Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC. Come learn why “Winning Together” is more than just words on a piece of paper. It is the vision by which we live our mission as an organization: "To create outstanding value for clients and customers through superior sales execution, operational excellence and innovative marketing services."

Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by law. As part of this commitment, ASM shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable an applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.