Associate Category Manager

Job Description At Link Snacks , we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago. We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, Golden Island, BiFi, and Peperami and KOOEE! to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it. Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks. Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks. Job Summary We are seeking an initiative‑taking and detail‑oriented Associate Category Manager to join our dynamic team. The Associate Category Manager will support the creation and implementation of category management strategies aimed at developing win‑win solutions and strengthening long‑term, strategic partnerships with customers. This individual will collaborate cross‑functionally with the sales team to optimize product assortments, pricing, and promotional strategies in alignment with company objectives. Key Responsibilities Conduct in-depth analysis of sales data, consumer trends, and market dynamics to identify opportunities for assortment, pricing, and promotions based on these findings. Assist in the development and optimization of product assortments and planograms. Analyze product performance, conduct gap analysis, and recommend products for introduction or discontinuation based on consumer demand and profitability. Assist in building and maintaining relationships with key customers and retailers. Track and report on key performance metrics, such as sales and share. Provide regular updates to the sales team on category performance and recommend actions to improve results. Monitor competitor activities and industry trends to stay ahead of the market and identify new opportunities for category growth. Perform other duties as assigned. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is an office setting with varying degrees of temperature and noise levels. The vast amount of work is conducted in a climate‑controlled office. Travel may be required. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an Team Member to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the Team Member is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or more up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing Economics, or a related field or equivalent experience. 2+ years of experience in category management, sales, analytics, or a related CPG role. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights. Proficiency in using syndicated data (i.e., Nielsen, Circana), and retailer specific loyalty card data, shopper panel metrics. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast‑paced environment. Detail‑oriented, with strong organizational and critical thinking skills. An initiative‑taking, results‑driven mindset with a passion for consumer products. Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Experience in the CPG industry, particularly in salty snacks a plus. Experience with JDA Space Planning software a plus. Additional Information The salary range for this role is $74,000- $87,000 (Annually). Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program‑specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off. Disclaimer This job description is intended to generally describe the nature and level of work to be performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of employees performing this role. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law. E-VERIFY Jack Link’s is a participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For information about the E-Verify program, please visit: All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. #J-18808-Ljbffr