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., *****°), 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 ******°, 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