Category Space Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Category Space Manager

Job Description

The Category Space Manager plays a key role in driving category growth within the beverage industry by combining space planning expertise with data-driven insights. This position works in a collaborative team environment, developing category analyses, identifying opportunities, and communicating clear recommendations to internal partners and external retail customers. The ideal candidate takes strong ownership of their work, consistently pushes for higher performance, and serves as a trusted category advisor to retail partners.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with retail partners as a trusted category advisor across all areas of the beverage business.
• Develop impactful category analyses and consumer insights using a range of syndicated and non-syndicated data sources.
• Synthesize findings from multiple data sources into clear, compelling selling stories presented in a visually engaging format using Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Effectively educate internal teammates and external customers on category growth opportunities through clear, concise, and impactful communication.
• Partner closely with the Sales team to engage external retailer buying teams in defined territories, with the goal of identifying and executing opportunities to grow the beverage category.
• Use space planning software to design and optimize merchandising of the beer department in alignment with category and retailer strategies.
• Allocate approximately 60–70% of time to space planning activities, including shelf management and planogram creation, to ensure optimal product placement and assortment.
• Allocate approximately 30–40% of time to analytics and reporting, including data extraction, analysis, and performance tracking to support category recommendations.
• Translate complex data and insights into concise, persuasive recommendations that support strategic decisions for both internal stakeholders and retail partners.
• Confidently present insights, opportunities, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders in a persuasive and professional manner.

Essential Skills

• Strong passion for the beverage industry.
• Category management or sales experience within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Moderate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to manipulate and organize large data sets.
• Moderate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, with the ability to organize and visually present clear storylines for presentations.
• Strong familiarity with syndicated data, software, and measures such as IRI, Nielsen, EYC, or similar platforms.
• Shelf management and planogram creation experience using tools such as JDA, Apollo, or comparable space planning software.
• Ability to interpret and analyze large data sets, develop meaningful insights, and identify actionable opportunities.
• Ability to translate analytical findings into concise, effective selling stories tailored to different audiences.
• Confidence in presenting insights, opportunities, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders in a persuasive manner.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive attitude and a collaborative mindset.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and the drive to deliver results.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working directly with retailer buying teams to influence category strategies and assortment decisions.
• Exp in space planning for beer or broader beverage departments in retail environments.
• Demonstrated ability to create visually engaging presentations that clearly communicate complex data and insights.
• Proven track record of building and sustaining strong relationships with internal teams and external customers.
• Curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset, with a desire to innovate in category management and space planning.
• Commitment to contributing to broader community and responsible business initiatives as part of a purpose-driven organization.

Work Environment

This role is based in an office environment and requires working on-site five days a week. The position involves frequent use of computers, space planning software (such as JDA or Apollo), and analytical tools, including Microsoft Excel and syndicated data platforms like IRI or Nielsen. The work setting is highly collaborative, with regular interaction with cross-functional teams such as Sales and Category Management, as well as external retail partners. The culture emphasizes dreaming big, continuous growth, and creating a future with more cheers by combining individual strengths with those of the broader team. The organization supports professional development, encourages initiative, and places strong value on community impact and responsible business practices.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $30.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Saint Louis,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.