Category Manager- Packaged Beverage

The Category Manager – Packaged Beverages is responsible for driving sales growth and profitability by developing and executing strategic plans for the beverage category. This role requires a strong balance of analytical expertise, vendor management skills, and market insight to optimize product assortments, negotiate supplier agreements, and create impactful promotional strategies that align with consumer trends.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement category strategies, including assortment, pricing, and promotional plans, to achieve sales and margin goals.
• Data Analysis: Leverage POS, Nielsen, IRI, and other data tools to evaluate performance, identify growth opportunities, and provide actionable insights.
• Vendor Management: Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and secure rebates/allowances to support category initiatives.
• Assortment Optimization: Design and maintain optimal product assortments and planograms to meet customer needs and maximize shelf productivity.
• Market Insights: Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and new product launches to ensure the category stays relevant and competitive.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with merchandising, marketing, operations, and external stakeholders to align category strategies with business objectives.
• Any additional duties as assigned by leadership.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong analytical skills with experience in category management tools (Nielsen, IRI, POS systems).
• Proven negotiation skills with the ability to influence and manage supplier relationships.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to create innovative, results-driven solutions.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the beverage industry, consumer behavior, and retail operations.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Broad knowledge of such fields as accounting, marketing, business administration, finance, etc. Equivalent to a four-year college degree, plus 3 years related experience and/or training, and 2 years related management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.