Hybrid Role

As a strategic partner to Kroger, the Category Manager is responsible for providing fact-based, insight-led and actionable category solutions to drive growth for the category, customer, and company.  This category thought-leader will translate consumer and data trends into value-creating business solutions regarding category assortment, merchandising, shelving, pricing and promotion for Check Lane Candy at Kroger. Close collaboration with both internal & external partners will be critical to success within this role.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree

• 5+ years of CPG Account and/or Category Management

• 2 years of business analytics (i.e. IRI, Nielsen, Stratum, Spectra, etc.)

• Highly proficient in MS Office applications (i.e. Excel & PowerPoint)

• Willingness to travel (up to 10% of time)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing and visualizing data using cutting edge tools (i.e., MS Power BI, Tableau)

• Kroger experience

• Space management tool experience (i.e. JDA)

• Knowledge of emerging retail strategy and technology (Omni-channel)

What would be your key responsibilities?

As the Lead Mars Wrigley Confectionary Aisle contact for Kroger, this associate will:

• Create, plan, and execute category leadership solutions for the Check Lane Candy Category which will deliver profitable sales growth at Kroger.

• Develop the knowledge and skills to consistently provide quality category support including:

  • Category assortment, merchandising, shelving, pricing, and promotional performance & recommendations

  • Planogram analysis and development

  • Competitive market analysis

  • Ad hoc and ongoing data management, reporting, and the creation of analytical tools

  • Lead the development of actionable category presentations utilizing storytelling  

  • Project leadership & support, potentially including test & learn analytics

• Leverage insights and resources through the utilization of a broad range of data sources, market research findings, tools, analyses, and technology; clearly articulating growth strategies and providing guidance to your customers toward quality category decisions.

• Collaborate closely with Mars Wrigley sales and cross-functional stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on category and customer plans.

• Build credibility and develop positive, cross-functional relationships with key customer stakeholders to maintain a high level of partnership with Kroger on Confectionery strategies.

• Partner closely with the Mars Wrigley Category Strategy team to leverage and activate agreed upon internal category initiatives, including "Perfect Store" execution and other success measures, with detailed follow-through.