Senior Manager - Category Management, Marketing - Sonic

The Senior Manager, Category Management will report to the Director, Category Management and is responsible for developing and executing Sonic’s beverage, snacks, and sides categories, packaging, and innovation strategies that support Sonic’s long‑term growth objectives. This role plays a critical leadership position in shaping the menu innovation roadmap, identifying growth opportunities, and translating consumer, operational, and business insights into actionable category strategies that drive sales, profitability, and brand differentiation. Responsibilities Lead Category Strategy and Growth – develop and execute short‑ and long‑term category, product, and packaging strategies that support Sonic’s business objectives and drive sustainable sales and profit growth. Own Innovation Pipeline – lead the end‑to‑end innovation process from concept development through commercialization, including opportunity identification, business case development, product testing, launch planning, and post‑launch evaluation. Build and manage the beverage, snack, and sides pipeline across core menu, limited‑time offers, and packaging. Lead Market Testing and Launch Execution – oversee market‑test strategy, execution, and performance evaluation; drive launch readiness activities (stage gate deliverables, execution checklist, operational alignment, training, launch materials) and ensure projects remain on schedule. Own Category Performance and Insights – monitor category, product, promotion, and test performance; lead consumer research; leverage marketplace, competitive, and operational insights to inform strategy; develop data‑driven recommendations and present findings to senior leadership. Qualifications Preferred 4‑year degree. 7+ years of experience in a category or brand management position. Business acumen with understanding of market trends, consumers, competitors, and P&L fluency. Experience taking product ideas from ideation to execution. Strong strategic and creative thinking skills. Ability to collect, synthesize, and present information in an actionable manner to stakeholders. Excellent communication and presentation skills, especially PowerPoint. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Detail oriented with focus on accuracy, process management, and execution excellence. Project management skills and ability to work cross‑functionally. Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment. Self‑starter with excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Inquisitive, growth mindset, passion for learning and solving problems. Management & Direct Reports: 1 Category Specialist. #J-18808-Ljbffr IRB USA Inspire Resources