Category Senior Manager

Summary

Category Senior Manager

The Category Senior Manager is responsible to develop and present strategic selling stories within the context of each customer/client’s business for category management. May oversee and lead the work of Category Managers and Category Analysts in responding to client requests for information, analysis and preparation of presentations. This role may be dedicated to servicing one significant client or responsible for category management at the division level with multiple Clients.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Project/Client Management and Support

• Proactively develop business growth opportunities from data analysis and present these to ASM sales team and business partners
• Manage project schedule by monitoring project progress, coordinating activities, and resolving problems
• Prioritize major business opportunities across client(s) categories by alignment of the goals with the Client, Customer and Company
• Manage, build and maintain strategic and collaborative relationships at Customer and Client level that will lead to recognition of ASM as the go-to strategic partner for category and shopper insights

Presentation Delivery

• Communicate business opportunities and recommend action plan to the Sales Team and/or client/customer’s senior management team
• Assume the Lead Role as part of the Sales Team in presenting insights, strategies and tactics to business partners

Pres entation Development

• Develop and recommend strategic direction based off collaboration with senior client management teams
• Review and provide recommendations for improvement to presentations prepared by Category Managers

Data Analysis/Interpretation/Application

• Determine and quantify primary business opportunities and key drivers through data analysis and industry expertise
• Leverage data for advanced assortment and shelving solutions
• Critically assess assortment efficiencies and provide recommendations that maximize category performance

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

Responsibilities

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.

Position Summary

The Category Senior Manager is responsible to develop and present strategic selling stories within the context of each customer/client’s business for category management. May oversee and lead the work of Category Managers and Category Analysts in responding to client requests for information, analysis and preparation of presentations. This role may be dedicated to servicing one significant client or responsible for category management at the division level with multiple Clients.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Project/Client Management and Support

• Proactively develop business growth opportunities from data analysis and present these to ASM sales team and business partners
• Manage project schedule by monitoring project progress, coordinating activities, and resolving problems
• Prioritize major business opportunities across client(s) categories by alignment of the goals with the Client, Customer and Company
• Manage, build and maintain strategic and collaborative relationships at Customer and Client level that will lead to recognition of ASM as the go-to strategic partner for category and shopper insights

Presentation Delivery

• Communicate business opportunities and recommend action plan to the Sales Team and/or client/customer’s senior management team
• Assume the Lead Role as part of the Sales Team in presenting insights, strategies and tactics to business partners

Pres entation Development

• Develop and recommend strategic direction based off collaboration with senior client management teams
• Review and provide recommendations for improvement to presentations prepared by Category Managers

Data Analysis/Interpretation/Application

• Determine and quantify primary business opportunities and key drivers through data analysis and industry expertise
• Leverage data for advanced assortment and shelving solutions
• Critically assess assortment efficiencies and provide recommendations that maximize category performance

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct Reports

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities for direct reports

Indirect Reports

Does not have direct reports, but may delegate work of others and provide guidance, direction and mentoring to indirect reports

Travel and/or Driving Requirements

Travel is an essential duty and function of this job. Driving is not an essential duty or function of this job.

Travel up to 15 %

Minimum Qualifications

Education Level: (Required) Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience



(Preferred) MBA Degree or equivalent experience

Field of Study/Area of Experience: Business or related field or equivalent work experience

4-6 years of experience in applicable field (i.e. sales and marketing agency, Customer, and/or Client

2-3 years supervisory experience

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong functional knowledge of Category Management
• Develop, build and maintain business relationships and demonstrate direct involvement with the client’s business
• Ability to present “Top to Top” presentations in a knowledgeable and confident manner in both planned and impromptu situations
• Demonstrated ability to use pertinent information and data to generate sales revenue
• Significant experience preparing and presenting final work product to customer/client
• Retailer shopper segmentation
• Advanced shopper behavior research and understanding
• Contribute to achievement of the annual revenue and growth goals
• Overall leadership and daily management of a direct and indirect staff to achieve team goals
• Advanced knowledge of syndicated data and applications
• Negotiate skillfully in tough situations with both internal and external groups
• Displays the ability to achieve desired results through others with positive, energetic and enthusiastic communication
• Train, delegate, coach, motivate and follow up on staff to achieve desired results
• Forecasts, sets objectives, anticipates, structures tasks, and establishes priorities
• Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects; sets objectives and goals; breaks down work into the process steps; develops schedules and task/people assignments; anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks; measures performance against goals; evaluates results
• Articulate ethical expectations and understand legal regulations within category management to maintain compliance in regards to pricing, antitrust laws, etc.
• Interact and communicate professionally with all levels
• 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
• Advanced PC skills with proficiency in spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation software
• Familiarity with Planogram software and creating planograms desired

Environmental & Physical Requirements

Office / Sedentary Requirements

Incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the job. Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Typically requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time (66%+ each day), ability to hear the telephone, ability to enter data on a computer and may also require the ability to lift up to 10 pounds. A detailed Environmental and Physical Requirements document is available in the Total Rewards department.

Additional Information Regarding ASM Job Duties and Job Descriptions



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. ASM shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable a qualified 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.

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.