Category Manager – Mars Food & Nutrition

Mars Incorporated Seeking Category Manager – Mars Food & Nutrition for immediate hire. Accepting applications from all groups. Job Description:

The Category Manager as Vendor Advisor is responsible for driving category management principles through the application of strong data analytics and thought leadership to develop value-added category solution initiatives and profitable business building strategies. This position will develop insights in support of our category vision and brand strategies. This position is responsible for providing category trends and taking insights into action to drive business results and category growth. As the primary point of interface with the buyer on the advised category, this role will deliver unbiased and objective category solutions for the retailer.

What are we looking for?

• University Degree or College Diploma.
• 3+ years Category Management and space management experience, Walmart experience is strongly preferred.
• CPG Industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of Retail Link and syndicated scan and panel data (Nielsen and Numerator) experience. Familiarity with Walmart Luminate is an asset.
• Strong working knowledge of Blue Yonder/JDA Space Planning software (must). Experience with Shelf IQ is an asset.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). Experience with PowerBI is an asset.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical experience from situation assessment through solution ideation to tangible solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to convey information using written and oral communication tools that compel merchant decision making and action.
• Strong planning, project and time management skills to ensure adherence to aggressive timelines.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Work closely with the merchant to develop the strategies and tactics for the Rice category. Studies and analyses may include, but are not limited to, the use of syndicated data, Retail Link, Nielsen syndicated data and Nielsen and/or Numerator panel and insights data, purchase and basket studies, new item evaluation, and pricing studies. Each scenario requires a detailed approach for organizing and completing such analysis specific to the account based on needs and opportunities.
• Maintain and increase category advisorship responsibilities through customer collaboration and superior category insights.
• Become an expert in Rice category leadership principles and Walmart category objectives to work closely with the customer to influence strategic execution and decision making on Mars categories.
• Lead space strategy plans, modular design, analytics and reporting, as well as execution of modulars on advised category.
• Drive analysis of shopper, category and customer information and data in order to develop compelling and profitable business building recommendations to our customers. Prepare and deliver category reviews and presentations, including market and industry trends, retailer performance, competitive insights, assortment recommendations, as well as pricing and promotion effectiveness.
• Deliver accurate reporting to Walmart highlighting actionable business insights. Provide expert level knowledge of industry, channel, and category.
• Collaborate with Category and Marketing teams and apply learnings to identify sales growth opportunities to deliver effective business solutions which incorporate consumer segmentation, relevant research, brand positioning, and category trends, and assist in leading efforts to improve the Team’s fact-based selling and storytelling skills with an emphasis on the integration of data analysis.
• Support Walmart US Category Advisorship with category and space management analysis, strategies, recommendations, and mod drawing.
• Responsible for supporting other sales productivity initiatives and reporting as required.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.