Category Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Category Manager based in the United States. As a Category Manager, you will turn market intelligence, retailer data, and consumer insights into actionable strategies that drive category growth and commercial performance. You will collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and cross-functional leaders to identify opportunities, strengthen retailer partnerships, and support data-informed business decisions. Using syndicated retail data and business intelligence tools, you will evaluate category trends, assess performance, and develop recommendations that support sustainable growth. You will contribute to category planning, retailer-specific strategies, and initiatives designed to improve product positioning and market performance. This opportunity is ideal for an analytical, commercially minded professional who enjoys translating complex information into clear business recommendations. You will help support the growth of fresh produce and food retail categories while contributing to a business focused on delivering high-quality products and responsible agricultural practices.

As Category Manager, you will serve as a strategic partner to commercial and marketing teams, using analytical expertise and market knowledge to identify growth opportunities and improve category performance. Analyze market and consumer data: Interpret syndicated retail data, consumer insights, retailer performance, and market trends to identify opportunities and support strategic decisions. Develop category growth strategies: Translate analytical findings into actionable recommendations that improve category performance, product positioning, and commercial outcomes. Support sales and marketing initiatives: Partner with Sales, Marketing, and cross-functional leadership to align category strategies with business priorities and market opportunities. Evaluate retailer performance: Assess category trends, pricing, promotional activity, and consumer purchasing behavior to identify areas for improvement and growth. Prepare category presentations: Develop clear, compelling reports and presentations that communicate complex findings and recommendations to diverse stakeholders. Support retailer-specific planning: Contribute to category reviews, Joint Business Plans, and tailored growth strategies for major retail partners. Leverage analytics tools: Use Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, and other business intelligence platforms to analyze data, visualize trends, and communicate insights effectively. Manage multiple projects: Coordinate analytical projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and maintain effective collaboration across departments. Monitor category dynamics: Track developments in fresh produce, food retail, pricing, promotions, seasonality, and consumer behavior to inform business decisions. Maintain compliance: Meet applicable employment requirements, including maintaining a valid driver's license and a driving record that complies with relevant policies and requirements. Requirements: The ideal candidate combines strong analytical capabilities with commercial awareness, effective communication, and the ability to turn complex datasets into practical strategies that drive business results. Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Analytics, or a related field. Professional experience: At least 5 years of experience in Category Management, Sales Analytics, Consumer Insights, or a related function. Experience in fresh produce, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or food retail is preferred. Data analysis: Demonstrated ability to interpret complex datasets, identify meaningful trends, and develop actionable business recommendations. Retail analytics platforms: Experience working with syndicated retail and consumer panel data, such as Circana, NielsenIQ, or comparable platforms. Microsoft Office proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, including the ability to analyze data and present insights effectively. Business intelligence tools: Working proficiency in Power BI or similar reporting and visualization platforms, such as Tableau. Communication and presentation: Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex analytical findings to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise. Project management: Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing demands, meet deadlines, and collaborate across functional teams. Driver's license: Valid driver's license and a driving record that meets applicable company policy, insurance, and DMV requirements. Employment screening: Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment screening consistent with applicable state and federal law. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working directly with major U.S. grocery, mass-market, or club retailers. Experience developing Joint Business Plans, category reviews, and retailer-specific growth strategies. Understanding of fresh produce category dynamics, including seasonality, pricing, promotional strategies, and consumer purchasing behavior. Benefits: Annual salary: $80,000–$110,000, with actual compensation determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and market alignment. Medical and dental coverage: Access to a subsidized benefits package. Vision benefits: Generous annual vision reimbursement allowance for each covered family member. Retirement savings: Access to a 401(k) plan. Paid leave: Paid time off and paid sick and safe leave. Life insurance: Employer-paid life insurance coverage. Fitness support: Subsidized gym membership. Entertainment discounts: Discounted tickets to major theme parks throughout California. Work arrangement: Remote work eligibility or an on-site arrangement in Bakersfield, California. Work schedule: Day shift.