We are hiring an analytically elite Category Manager / Category Analyst to serve as the commercial intelligence engine for a fast-growing CPG brand scaling from. This role blends deep category analytics, trade optimization, and retail strategy with storytelling that drives better decisions — internally and with key partners.
You will transform complex datasets — syndicated data (SPINS, Nielsen, IRI), retailer portals (e.G., 84.51°), distributor reporting, and internal systems — into actionable insights that meaningfully improve velocity, trade efficiency, pricing, and distribution performance. This person is the strategic partner to Sales, Marketing, Ops, Finance, and Leadership.
Strategic Importance
* As we scale nationally and deepen relationships with major retailers and distributors (UNFI, KeHE, C&S, Dot), this role is critical to commercial success by:
* Elevating category insights as a competitive advantage
* Strengthening sales pitches with data-backed stories that win distribution
* Increasing promo ROI through rigorous trade and lift analysis
* Driving cross-functional alignment on strategy via clear analytics + narratives
* This role is not just about dashboards — it’s about impact and influence across the business.
Key Responsibilities
* Syndicated Data + Retailer Insights
* Own analysis of SPINS, Nielsen/IRI and retailer portal data to understand:
* Category growth drivers
* Competitor dynamics
* Velocity and share trends
* Translate data into retailer-specific insights for buyers and commercial teams.
Promotion & Trade Effectiveness
* Measure incremental lift, promo effectiveness, and trade ROI.
* Partner with Sales and Finance to improve TPM discipline, promotional forecasting and post mortems.
* Create frameworks to compare promo results vs. baseline and forecast.
Assortment, Pricing, and Space Strategy
* Recommend SKU rationalization, pricing strategies, and assortment optimization.
* Partner with Sales/Category buyers on planogram space recommendations.
Distributor & Retail Performance Tracking
Track performance across key channels and distributors (UNFI, KeHE, C&S, Dot), including:
* Fill rates
* Retail sell-through
* Inventory health and void risk
Provide early-warning signals and corrective action recommendations.
Forecasting & Demand Planning Support
* Improve forecast accuracy and alignment with Supply Chain and Finance.
* Provide insights that enhance S&OP and promotional planning.
Cross-Functional Analytics & Reporting
Build and maintain executive-ready dashboards in Power BI / Tableau.
Provide cadence reporting (weekly, monthly, quarterly) tailored to:
* Sales
* Marketing
* Finance
* Operations
Executive Storytelling & Data Communication
* Translate analytics into structured business narratives that inform strategy and execution.
* Support pitch materials, competitive heatmaps, and retailer presentations.
Required Experience & Skills
Experience
* 3–8+ years in CPG analytics, category management, revenue management, or related retail strategy roles.
Proven track record with:
* Syndicated data platforms (SPINS, Nielsen/IRI)
* Retailer portals (84.51°, Luminate)
* Commercial analytics in a growth CPG environment
Technical Skills
* Advanced Excel (modeling, pivot tables, data transformations)
* Power BI / Tableau dashboard creation
* Familiarity with trade spend economics, TPM, and promotional lift frameworks
Capabilities
* Strong analytical rigor and ability to build structured insights
* Excellent communication and executive presence
* Storytelling that transforms data into selling narratives
Preferred Experience
* Experience in frozen or high-velocity CPG categories
* Prior work with national retailers and major distributors
* Startup or high-growth CPG environment