Category Manager

BROAD FUNCTION AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION:
This role is responsible for leading customer-specific category management relationship and deliverables, with strong emphasis on actionable category and shopper insights that drive business growth for both the customer and Del Monte. The Category Manager will develop fact-based, shopper-centric strategic business plans and best-in-class" recommendations through in-depth analysis of category, consumer, retailer, and shopper insights. Also, this role will continue to build customer relationships as the category leadership expert.

The Category Manager collaborates with the Customer, Sales and Category Leadership to analyze business performance and develop business strategies. This position requires both data and business savvy, as well as effective communication and problem solving skills in order to provide consultative category management to both the customer and Del Monte.

PRINCIPAL CONTINUING RESPONSIBILITIES:
Customer Development and Retail Execution
* Proactively deliver customer specific category management deliverables
o Weekly Scorecards
o Monthly Reviews/Formal Category Reviews
o Manage Category Reset Schematic Building Process
* Effectively communicate category specific insights, strategies, and recommendations to the customer-be recognized as the expert
* Collaborate with the customer and Del Monte sales team to enable deeper understanding of customer, categories, consumers, and shopper insights to maximize volume and exceed sales goals
* Develop category partnership with various cross-functional departments within the retailer/customer

Category and Shopper Insights Generation Application
* Support the customer as the go-to expert, helping the customer understand category trends, best practices, and opportunities
* Actively partner with Del Monte cross-functional business units to share Category Leadership initiatives and potential implications at the customer
* Leverage insight resources to proactively identify consumer, shopper, and retailer needs and opportunities
o Develop recommendations based upon a thorough understanding of consumer, shopper and retailer insights

Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Provide strategic input into the Del Monte annual planning process based on customer requirements/needs/strategies/priorities
* Partners with Del Monte Sales to provide recommendations on all facets of the shopping experience including:
o Merchandising/Assortment/Shelving
o Customer Strategies and potential impacts to Del Monte business
* Support collaboration between the customer and Del Monte cross functional departments, facilitating appropriate collaboration on projects such as customer-specific research, strategic planning sessions, etc.:
o Work in partnership with Del Monte business units to develop and execute customer specific solutions
o Facilitate best practice sharing throughout the organization

EDUCATION:
BA/BS required; MBA preferred

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
5+ years relevant business experience
in consumer packaged goods industry

REQUIREMENTS:
Proven record of success in mass merchandiser and grocery industry with consumer packaged goods experience. Strong background in activation of category management and shopper insights. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Minimum Requirements:
* Ability to analyze data using multiple data sources to draw conclusions, address key opportunities, and develop best-in-class" recommendations to drive both customer and Del Monte business
* A strong knowledge of Category Management practices and tools (Nielsen, Spectra, Panel Data, ProSpace ...)
* Must demonstrate the ability to take initiative, be proactive in identifying issues and recommending solutions
Preferred Requirements:
* Previous experience driving strategy with both internal and external customers
* A minimum of 3 years of Category Management or Shopper Insights experience
* Category Management /Category Captain experience calling on Target Corporation

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities/Experience
- Demonstrate ability to develop high quality relationships based on trust and integrity with appropriate internal and external contacts that drive results
- Professionalism; must be able to work in a fast paced environment, have sharp attention to detail and highly developed analytical skills
- Category management experience, with proven track record of business results
- Critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Ability to develop analytical tools for efficient category analysis (Excel, Pivot Tables, Access Database, etc.)
- Exhibit excellence in written and verbal communication; influence management
- Strong team work orientation; must work well in a collaborative manner
- Strong computer proficiency in the following applications (but not limited to):
o Microsoft Office Suite
o JDA ProSpace- Space Planning Software
o Nielsen Syndicated Panel data (All Outlet, Consumer, Channel, Cross Outlet, ASP)
o Spectra data applications
o Target Partners Online POS system
o Nielsen Answers/Business Drivers
o Assortment Optimization Tools
o Storeview/Account Planner/Strategic Planner

WE OFFER:
* Competitive salary
* Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) and Pension Plan

Del Monte Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ALL RESUMES NEED TO BE SUBMITTED THROUGHWWW.DELMONTEFOODS.COM TO BE CONSIDERED.

(https://www.delmontefoods.com/careers)

No sponsorship is available for this position.

No agency solicitations. No third party recruiters.

Del Monte Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or any other legally protected status.

Please be advised that your application is not complete until you fill out, sign, and submit a Del Monte Application for Employment for a specific position for which Del Monte is actively recruiting. Your application must reflect that you possess the required qualifications for the position.