Director, Category and Innovation

Why choose us? Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join us for an exciting opportunity at Albertsons Companies, where innovation and customer service go hand‑in‑hand! At Albertsons Companies, we are looking for someone who isn’t just seeking a job, but someone who wants to make an impact. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and contribute to the growth of a company that values great service and lasting customer relationships. This position offers the chance to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment that’s constantly evolving. Main responsibilities The Director Category Management & Product Development – Own Brands will lead category management and product development for strategic categories. Key focus areas will be category assortment, product quality, innovation, pricing, and promotion. This role will ensure that Own Brands strategies align with corporate goals across loyalty, penetration, sales and margin. The position will be based in Pleasanton, CA. Product & Assortment Management Assortment Planning: Analyze market and consumer data to determine the optimal private label product mix, identifying gaps and opportunities for new product development and premiumization. Product Innovation: Identify customer and market opportunities to develop product concepts and launch new “Own Brand” items, overseeing the product lifecycle from ideation to exit strategies for underperforming items. Quality & Compliance: Ensure all private label products meet high quality, safety, and regulatory standards, working closely with quality assurance and legal teams to mitigate risk. Product Development and Innovation Product Development: Manage the product development process from concept and R&D through testing, packaging design, commercialization, and scale‑up, overseeing product formulation, packaging, naming, claims, certifications, and positioning. Ensure Quality & Compliance: Establish and enforce quality assurance protocols and product standards, ensuring all items comply with relevant food safety, regulatory, and ethical sourcing standards (e.g., Organic, Fair Trade, etc.). Drive Innovation: Foster a culture of creativity and innovation, leading the development of new product formulations and recipes that meet nutritional and culinary standards and resonate with customer needs. Packaging Structure: Lead packaging refreshes, design improvements, and brand tier consistency aligned with our sustainability agenda. Vendor & Supply Chain Management Vendor Negotiation: Support negotiations with suppliers and manufacturers to secure favorable terms, including pricing, quality standards, and reliable supply, while building strong, strategic relationships. Supply Chain Optimization: Collaborate with sourcing, procurement, and logistics to ensure cost‑effective operations, optimal inventory levels, and business continuity. Data, Insights & Cross-Functional Collaboration Market Analysis: Utilize deep data analytics, syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, Circana), and consumer insights to drive decision‑making and identify growth opportunities. Cross‑Functional Alignment: Serve as a primary liaison, collaborating with national and division teams to ensure cohesive strategy execution across all channels (in‑store and e‑commerce). Reporting & Communication: Provide regular reports and presentations to leaders on category performance, market dynamics, and recommendations. Talent Management Lead and develop direct reports (Managers, Assistant Managers, and Associates). Responsible for development plans and performance management for your team. Lead identification of organizational improvements — improving processes, programs, streamlining functions, department training needs, etc. Candidate Requirements Bachelor’s degree preferred in Business Marketing, Economics, or Finance. MBA preferred. 8+ years’ experience selling or influencing decision makers. 8+ years of product innovation management, brand management and/or category management experience in a CPG or retail company. 3+ years’ experience and demonstrated abilities in managing teams, developing others and managing multiple projects successfully. Expertise in managing budgets and financial metrics. Expert in leading projects, cross‑functional teams and influencing others. Ability to combine creative problem solving, consumer insights, and an aptitude for strategic thinking in a fluid environment. Strong ability to analyze multiple and often disconnected data sources (targeting consumer trends and insights) and draw meaningful conclusions. Financial understanding of all innovation metrics and measures. Expert‑level interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to motivate, lead, and influence stakeholders across the organization. Exceptional project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities successfully. Self‑motivated with the ability to act with a sense of urgency, intensity, and integrity. Excellent in managing teams internally and cross‑functionally and cross departmens to execute projects/programs. Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and syndicated data (e.g., Circana). Benefits Competitive wages paid weekly. Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream. Associate discounts. Health and financial well‑being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!). Time off (vacation, holidays, sick pay). For eligibility requirements please visit myACI Benefits. Leaders invested in your training, career growth and development. An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve. #J-18808-Ljbffr Randalls