Manager, CPG Category

Overview:

This role will also manage, provide direction to external partners, and develop and execute brand and shopper marketing tactics to help support new and existing products within their category. The manager will have cross-channel responsibilities, including customized, specialty, and supermarket channels.

Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities of the CPG Category Manager are outlined below and include but are not limited to the following:

• Responsible for the category strategy development of annual and mid-term business plans.
• Develop and execute category strategies to meet business objectives, market demands, and customer needs.
• Analyze market trends, consumer insights, and competitor activities to identity opportunities and risks within assigned categories.
• Conduct regular competitor and market analysis to stay informed about industry trends, pricing strategies, and new product launches.
• Identify information gaps requiring market research, drive research needs, and manage the application of consumer insights that will be the basis of driving profitable growth.
• Manage the portfolio of the category, including new product pipeline innovation and continuous product improvement.
• Responsible for the financial business management of the category through thorough P&L analysis and key issue identification.
• Accountable for budgeting of marketing spend, accrual tracking and ensuring reserve control and spend within budget.
• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams such as R&D, Operations, Sales, Digital Marketing and Finance to develop product development and new product introduction plans.
• Manage the value chain management across functions, in order to optimize inventory management, monthly forecasting demand, and implementing effective strategies.
• Oversee the development and application of all consumer and shopper communication to help drive new product sell-in and support of existing category products.
• Oversee management of all administrative responsibilities.
• Accountable for compliance with all AFNA processes, standards and policies.

Qualifications:

The right candidate will possess leadership, people management, portfolio management, value chain management, innovation, advertising/promotion and financial skills as well as sound business judgment and the ability to drive in a matrix organization.

• BA/BS degree, preferably in business management or marketing. MBA degree preferred.
• 4+ years of category / brand management experience.
• Solid analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make data driven decisions.
• Demonstrated success in cross-functional leadership and project management.
• Proven financial management skills.
• Established business management skill inclusive of product development and innovation.
• Demonstrated communication skills across a variety of communication methods and tools.
• Proven working knowledge of market research and demonstrated analytical skills.
• A relatable food experience and/or a demonstrated passion and/or knowledge of food preferable.