Associate Director, Category Strategy & Insights Taste Elevation

Kraft/Heinz

Job Description
The Associate Director, Customer Category Strategy serves as a strategic leader connecting customer teams, category insights, retailer intelligence, and the broader commercial organization. Reporting to the Vice President of Customer Strategy & Retail Intelligence, this leader is responsible for transforming data, shopper insights, omnichannel trends, retailer feedback, and market intelligence into actionable category roadmaps that support category performance across physical and digital retail environments.

The role combines local-level space analytics, category performance data, consumer and shopper insights, retailer information, and macro and micro market trends to identify opportunities and develop compelling customer-specific stories. As a leader of a team of subject matter experts aligned to a business unit, the Associate Director will help shape category roadmaps, influence retailer decision-making, and uncover opportunities through innovation, collaboration, and disciplined execution.

This individual serves as a strategic category expert both internally and externally, partnering closely with Business Unit Sales & Strategy (BUSS) teams to provide retailer, category, and space insights that inform commercial decision-making. The role ensures category recommendations are grounded in retailer realities, future retail trends, and evolving shopper behaviors while advancing long-term category leadership.
The Associate Director will lead efforts to identify emerging retail opportunities, drive space and merchandising strategies, evaluate evolving omnichannel retail models, and develop recommendations that position the organization and its customers for success in the future retail environment.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Category Strategy
Develop and deliver customer-specific category roadmaps that support category performance and long-term retailer and business objectives.
Integrate multiple data sources-including space analytics, syndicated data, retailer data, shopper insights, consumer research, and market trends-to identify opportunities and develop actionable recommendations.
Translate complex analyses into compelling customer-facing stories that influence retailer decisions and strengthen category leadership.
Build strategic recommendations focused on assortment, shelving, merchandising, space productivity, omnichannel execution, and the future evolution of the retail environment.
Identify category opportunities at national, regional, and local market levels through advanced analytics, retailer insights, and changing consumer behaviors.
Leverage retailer strategies, category trends, and market intelligence to develop forward-looking category roadmaps aligned to customer and business priorities.
Omnichannel Strategy, Space & Retail Excellence
Lead the development of omnichannel category roadmaps that connect physical retail, e-commerce, click-and-collect, digital merchandising, and emerging retail formats.
Evaluate changing shopper behaviors, channel dynamics, and retailer strategies to ensure category recommendations remain relevant across all points of purchase.
Partner with customer teams to identify opportunities that improve category performance through optimized space, merchandising, and omnichannel execution.
Assess the impact of evolving retail models, store formats, digital capabilities, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for category leadership and future store development.
Champion thought leadership around the future of retail, helping customers and internal teams understand how category strategies must evolve across physical and digital environments.
Incorporate emerging retail trends, technology, and shopper behaviors into category roadmaps and strategic recommendations.
Customer Partnership & Business Unit Support
Partner closely with Customer Teams and Business Unit Sales & Strategy (BUSS) teams to develop retailer-specific category strategies aligned with customer objectives.
Serve as the category, retailer, and space strategy subject matter expert for assigned business units and customer teams.
Provide category, retailer, and space insights that support commercial planning, strategic decision-making, and customer engagement activities.
Translate retailer feedback, category trends, space opportunities, and field insights into actionable recommendations that inform category roadmaps and business priorities.
Equip sales, BUSS, and customer teams with actionable insights, category stories, retailer intelligence, and space-based recommendations that can be effectively activated in-market.
Support key customer meetings, joint business planning sessions, category reviews, and executive business reviews through compelling, insight-based storytelling.
Establish feedback loops that continuously capture retailer and field perspectives to improve category recommendations, priorities, and execution.
Cross-Functional Leadership & Enterprise Collaboration
Lead strategic collaboration across Business Units (BU), Business Unit Sales & Strategy (BUSS), Commercial Capabilities, Retail Teams, Supply Chain, Marketing, Insights, Analytics, and Revenue Growth Management functions.
Align category roadmaps with broader commercial objectives while ensuring recommendations are operationally feasible, retailer-relevant, and grounded in category insights.
Partner with Commercial Capabilities teams to develop tools, frameworks, and best practices that strengthen category leadership and customer-facing effectiveness.
Collaborate with Supply Chain and business partners to ensure category recommendations consider inventory, fulfillment, and operational realities.
Influence innovation, assortment, merchandising, space planning, and go-to-market decisions through fact-based insights and retailer-informed recommendations.
Foster alignment across stakeholders to drive execution against shared business priorities.
Innovation, Test & Learn & Retail Solutions
Identify emerging retail opportunities, technologies, and industry trends that can unlock new sources of category value and competitive advantage.
Lead the development and coordination of test-and-learn initiatives designed to evaluate new retail solutions, merchandising concepts, space optimization approaches, future-store formats, and omnichannel execution opportunities.
Partner with customer teams and cross-functional stakeholders to design pilots, establish success metrics, measure results, and scale successful initiatives.
Create a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement by leveraging data and insights to validate new approaches and accelerate learning.
Share best practices, key learnings, and scalable retail solutions across business units and customer teams.
Monitor industry innovation and emerging retailer strategies to identify opportunities that shape the future of category management and retail execution.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, coach, and develop a team of category strategy, insights, analytics, space planning, and retail intelligence subject matter experts aligned to a business unit.
Foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
Establish clear priorities, development plans, and performance expectations that drive business impact and employee growth.
Promote analytical rigor, strategic thinking, thought leadership, and storytelling excellence across the team.
Build organizational capability in category strategy, retailer strategy, space analytics, omnichannel execution, and future-of-retail thinking.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Analytics, Statistics, Consumer Behavior, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in category strategy, category management, category leadership, retail analytics, shopper insights, sales strategy, or related commercial functions.
3+ years of experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
Demonstrated ability to synthesize multiple data sources into actionable business recommendations and category roadmaps.
Strong understanding of retail, omnichannel commerce, category management principles, retailer strategies, and shopper behavior.
Experience working with syndicated data, retailer data, consumer insights, space analytics, and category performance metrics.
Proven success influencing senior leaders, cross-functional stakeholders, and external customer partners.
Exceptional communication, storytelling, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
Preferred
MBA or other advanced degree.
Experience working directly with national and regional retail customers.
Expertise in category strategy, omnichannel retail, space optimization, retail merchandising, future-store concepts, and advanced consumer insights.
Experience leading customer pilots, retail innovation initiatives, or test-and-learn programs.
Familiarity with Circana/IRI, NielsenIQ, retailer loyalty data, space planning tools, shopper panel data, and advanced analytics platforms.
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$164,200.00 - $205,200.00 Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Location(s)
Chicago/Aon Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact View email address on jobs2careers.com for assistance.

Apply

Vacancy posted 1 day ago

Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Associate Director, Category Strategy & Insights Taste Elevation in Dolton, IL vacancy

Associate Market Clinical Director
$257.94k - $368.49k
...great people to join our team. The Associate Market Clinical Director will directly supervise, performance... ...cost reduction and market clinical strategies. Delivers outstanding clinical... ...feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and...
Suggested
Hourly pay
Full time
Work at office
Local area
ChenMed
Oak Lawn, IL
1 day ago
Associate Manager
...Description Job title: Associate Manager FLSA status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Store Manager Position summary: The... ...shifts, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch; talk and hear; taste and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up...
Suggested
All shifts
Shift work
Family Express
Highland, IN
1 day ago
Residency Program Coordinator
$100 per hour
...Internal Medicine Residency Program at UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital, with oversight and direction from the Program Director, is responsible for the operational and financial management of the training program. The position requires the comprehensive and...
Suggested
Full time
Temporary work
Traineeship
Work experience placement
Freelance
Work at office
University of Chicago
Harvey, IL
3 days ago
Program Director
...Matter 2 is seeking a full-time Program Director to provide strategic, operational, and hands... ...Responsibilities Program Leadership & Strategy Provide overall leadership for You... ...youth feedback, family input, and partner insights to assess program effectiveness. Identify...
Suggested
Full time
Part time
For contractors
Summer work
Internship
Work at office
Night shift
Afternoon shift
You Matter 2 Inc.
Flossmoor, IL
1 day ago
Associate Client Success Manager
Medium is seeking motivated individuals to join a fast-growing, tech-driven team. You will conduct virtual consultations with clients and assess their needs, sharing knowledge on solutions and building lasting relationships through regular check-ins. Administrative ...
Suggested
Weekly pay
Medium
Markham, IL
3 days ago
Program Supervisor
...Employment 242 Days Evaluation Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the SPEED Governing Board. Hiring Contact Human Resources Director: (***) ***-****. Please direct your application to Sonya Douglas, HR Director. #J-18808-Ljbffr...
Speed School District 802
Chicago Heights, IL
1 day ago
Director of Human Resources
$110.26k - $160.36k
...Responsibilities The Director of Human Resources formulates and supervises programs relative to selection, training, promotion,... ...laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights:...
Full time
Local area
Shift work
Olympia Fields Hospital
Olympia Fields, IL
10 hours ago
Director of Human Resources
$120k - $140k
...Position Type: Administration/Director Date Posted: 6/16/2026 Location: District / Central Office Date Available: 09/01/2025 Closing Date: Until Filled POSITION: Director of Human Resources QUALIFICATIONS: • Valid Illinois Professional...
Contract work
Work at office
Local area
Immediate start
Dolton School District 149
Calumet City, IL
5 days ago
Program Manager
$85k - $120k
...required by all newly hired employees, including Safety Awareness All safety related training is provided and tracked by the EHS Director Job specific training modules deemed necessary by employee’s Manager or Director will be required of all employees on an ongoing...
Work at office
Worldwide
Night shift
Nikkiso Cryogenic Industries
Dyer, IN
1 day ago
Program Coordinator
$25 per hour
...at schools and park districts in the Southwest Chicagoland area. Company Soccer Shots Southwest Chicagoland Reports to Executive Director About Soccer Shots Soccer Shots is a leading children's soccer program that teaches soccer skills while emphasizing character...
Part time
Work from home
Flexible hours
Day shift
Afternoon shift
Weekday work
Soccer Shots Los Angeles
Orland Park, IL
5 days ago
Sr Director, Med & Sci Affairs - Specialty Testing (Hammond)
...Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, a Danaher operating company, seeks a Senior Director of Medical & Scientific Affairs – Specialty Testing to set vision and lead complex product development and clinical programs worldwide. You will partner with senior external stakeholders...
Full time
Worldwide
Beckman Coulter Diagnostics
Hammond, IN
2 days ago
HR Business Partner
$72.8k - $101.65k
...Responsibilities The Human Resources Business Partner ("HRBP") assists HR Director/Manager with managing day-to-day operations and provides a... ...of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: 10_20.pdf #J-18808-Ljbffr Olympia Fields...
Full time
Local area
Shift work
Day shift
Olympia Fields Hospital
Olympia Fields, IL
2 days ago
Director of Resident Experience
...ALIYA of Homewood is seeking a Director of Customer Experience to plan, implement, and deliver exceptional service to residents and families. The role requires strong communication and a track record in enhancing customer experiences within care facilities. You will coordinate...
Full time
ALIYA Healthcare Consulting
Homewood, IL
3 days ago
Lead Activities Director Create Engaging Resident Programs
...A leading healthcare company in Indiana is seeking an Activities Director to manage their activities team. The ideal candidate will have leadership skills, experience in therapeutic recreation, and an understanding of long-term care practices. Responsibilities include...
Full time
Communicare Health Services
Dyer, IN
1 day ago
Employee Benefits Account Manager
$30k - $65k
...Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) or Group Benefits Associate (GBA). Previous experience in employee benefits administration... .... Collect and analyze benefits data to provide clients with insights into program utilization, cost trends, and employee satisfaction...
Work at office
Local area
The Jonus Group
Evergreen Park, IL
3 days ago
Worship Director
...component to the spiritual growth of people who want to enjoy and honor God in the development of their spiritual lives. The Worship Director at Village Church is responsible for overseeing all aspects of our Worship Ministries. While he will regularly plan and lead our...
Night shift
Weekend work
Day shift
Find Christian Links
Dyer, IN
4 days ago
Utility Program Manager
...Job Description Job Description CEDA (Community and Economic Development Association) is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to helping communities thrive and fighting poverty. We are seeking a Utility Program Manager to join our Expansion team and lead operations...
For contractors
Local area
Community and Economic Development Assoc
South Holland, IL
more than 2 months ago
Associate Sales Clinic Manager
...Description: We are seeking a driven and performance-oriented Associate Clinic Manager (ACM) to support the daily operations, patient... ...role partners closely with the Clinic Manager to execute sales strategies, optimize schedules, manage lead flow, support patient health...
Temporary work
Flexible hours
Options Medical Weight Loss
Oak Lawn, IL
11 days ago
HR Manager
$104.54k - $130.68k
...audits Measure performance using the HR scorecard to celebrate wins or address concerns Partner with the TA team on staffing strategies, staffing calls, and hiring events as appropriate Other duties as assigned Required Education and Experience:? ~ Bachelor'...
Full time
Contract work
Work at office
Local area
Monday to Friday
Shift work
Reyes Holdings
Alsip, IL
2 days ago
HR Manager
$110k - $160k
...Business Partnership Partner with site leadership to support organizational design, workforce planning, and succession planning strategies for critical roles. Provide coaching and guidance to managers on performance management, employee development, career planning, and...
Hourly pay
Contract work
Work at office
Local area
Medium
Chicago Heights, IL
3 days ago
Staff Manager
...also include providing functional and technical expertise to associates to ensure successful agent development for new and existing Financial... ...of the W&S Sales Process, networking and recruiting strategies. Responsibilities Possess knowledge of the W&S Sales Process...
Local area
Home office
Western & Southern Life
Orland Park, IL
5 days ago
Dialysis Program Manager Registered Nurse - RN
$85k
PURPOSE AND SCOPE: Responsible for the day-to-day program operations and supporting the growth of the assigned single site Home Therapies program in coordination with the Business Unit management, in-center staff and other support functions. Ensures provision of quality...
Work experience placement
Fresenius Medical Care
Evergreen Park, IL
2 days ago
Crisis Program Director
...Job Description Job Description Crisis Program Director –(LCSW/LCPC) Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) Location: Park Forest Compensation: 80,000-95,000 Schedule: Full-time (includes some evening/weekend on-call responsibilities) About Aunt Martha’s Health...
Full time
Work at office
Afternoon shift
AUNT MARTHAS HEALTH AND WELLNESS INC
Park Forest, IL
more than 2 months ago
Recruiting Manager
...Summary: The Law Student Recruiting Manager will oversee the strategy, coordination, and execution of law student and entry-level... ..., Summer Program Chairs and Committee, Chief Talent Officer, Director of Attorney Recruiting & Integration, Senior Manager of Law Student...
Summer work
Work at office
3 days per week
Solomon Search Group
East Chicago, IN
3 days ago
Child Welfare Program Supervisor
$72.15k - $74.79k
...respectful client relationships. Strengths – Identifying and building upon strengths in every family. Self-Care – Practicing strategies to reduce secondary trauma and burnout. Working Conditions & Physical Demands Requires regular driving, home visits, and...
Full time
Work at office
Work from home
Weekend work
Afternoon shift
AUNT MARTHAS HEALTH AND WELLNESS INC
Park Forest, IL
26 days ago
Human Resources Director
...Job Description Job Description Human Resources Director Job Summary A growing healthcare organization is seeking an experienced... ..., supporting organizational objectives, and aligning talent strategies with the company's mission and operational goals....
Temporary work
Work at office
Local area
Flexible hours
Healthcare Organization in Illinois
Blue Island, IL
3 days ago
Director of Human Resources
$110.26k - $160.36k
Responsibilities The Director of Human Resources formulates and supervises programs relative to selection, training, promotion... ...laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights:...
Full time
Local area
Shift work
Olympia Fields Hospital
Olympia Fields, IL
2 days ago
HR Business Partner
...members at all levels of the organization. Assists in ensuring that property HR SLA’s are followed and met. Identifies and develops strategies for client groups with respect to turnover, retention, staff development, engagement, employee relations, guest service,...
Work at office
Local area
All shifts
Flexible hours
Night shift
ViziRecruiter,LLC.
East Chicago, IN
3 days ago
Technical Support Coordinator (Burbank, CA)
Work Location : Burbank, CA; Onsite Work Schedule : Mon-Fri, 8 hours per day Engagement Model : Fixed-term employment; Part‑time Estimated Project Duration : 5 months Estimated Start Date : ASAP Language(s) Needed : English (US) Role Summary We are seeking an Onsite...
Part time
Fixed term contract
Local area
Immediate start
Remote work
TransPerfect
Burbank, IL
2 days ago
Operations Manager - Service Delivery & Technical Solutions
$115k - $125k
...service solutions in your respective territory. This position is based at our corporate office in Harvey, IL, and reports to the Director of Smart Services. The Operations Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the Smart Services Managers and their respective...
Full time
Work at office
FUCHS LUBRICANTS CO. (USA)
Harvey, IL
3 days ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Associate Director, Category Strategy & Insights Taste Elevation. Be the first to apply!