Title:  Associate Category Intelligence Manager (Category Advisor)

Job Purpose and Impact

The Associate Category Intelligence Manager (Category Advisor) will apply full knowledge to develop a deep understanding of the customer, consumer, and market dynamics within a given category across all channels to support strategic commercial decisions and customer driven goals. In this role, you will research and analyze complex and varied data sources, including customer point of sale data, competitive intelligence and trends on shopper behavior, business environment, market dynamics and competition in the category to inform product and brand performance, customer strategies and opportunities and competitive positioning. You will also generate relevant and compelling category-based insights for our customer to advance marketing, insights, sales, and product goals. 

Key Accountabilities

• Apply syndicated tools to assess past, current and future performance of categories, including competitive opportunities and risks and commercial and merchandising effectiveness to support marketing, business and customer strategies.
• Conduct complex quantitative analysis on shopper attitudes, needs and behaviors in the category for insights generation and activation and provide specific actionable recommendations to commercial teams.
• Triangulate channel and category data and intelligence from various sources and tools and apply analysis and analytics to develop recommendations for category growth and positioning strategy for product mix and assortment, packaging, pricing, shelf layout, display, merchandising and promotions.
• Apply full knowledge of insights tools and methodologies to continuously improve category insights processes and activities.
• Provide customers advice and recommendations on their category strategy and tactics, including developing actionable and tailored category insights and tactical action plans for customers based on their category positioning and goals.
• Independently handle complex issues with minimal supervision, while escalating only the most complex issues to appropriate staff.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience 
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in category management, shopper insights, retail analytics, or a related analytical role 
• Proficient in Syndicated Data tools (e.g., NielsenIQ, Circana/IRI) 
• Proficiency with Excel and Microsoft Office Suite (pivot tables, vlookups, PowerPoint storytelling) 
• Experience using space planning software such as Blue Yonder/JDA Space Planning or ProSpace 
• Demonstrated ability to translate data into actionable insights and storytelling. 
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with experience presenting to internal and external stakeholders. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background with sales data tracking software 
• Experience with data visualization tools (Tableu or PowerBI) 
• Experience with ShelfIQ or similar platforms 
• Experience with Panel Data sources 
• Experience in drawing modulars using JDA/Prospace and collaborating closely with Walmart’s merchandising team on planogram development.  
• Advanced knowledge of Excel and strong technical aptitude with customer POS systems.  
• Demonstrated expertise in consumer and category analysis, with success in category management for a national retailer.  
• Previous experience as a Category Manager, Consumer Insights Manager, or Category Merchant is a plus.  
• Experience developing category growth roadmaps and leading modular reset reviews.