Category Manager

Position Purpose: The individual in this role will help Lindt expand category influence, grow sales and deliver against category management specific KPIs such as distribution, secondary placement and best in class merchandising. This will be accomplished by acting as a strategic partner for ADUSA by providing best in class shopper insights and analytics to maximize category growth. Location preference for the role is Carlisle/Harrisburg or Philadelphia, PA and New York/ New Jersey markets. Other locations include the New England or Carolinas. Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities: Category Management Ensure expertise in customer strategy and shopper behavior across relevant confection segments (impulse, gifting, dark chocolate, indulgence, etc.) to influence business planning initiatives and plans that mutually grow KPIs for Lindt and the category. Bring best in class shopper insights to ADUSA, to influence customer strategy and support Lindt initiatives. Support Lindt strategy and selling initiatives through the development of a best in class Grocery channel strategy and selling stories that are tailored to be specific to key retailers. This includes analyzing and synthesizing syndicated and shopper data coupled with trend and shopper insight information. Act as a consultant and strategic partner to ADUSA providing unbiased recommendations to drive overall category growth. Develop strategic planogram recommendations, combining proven merchandising theory, retailer case studies and Lindt strategy with solid analysis to maximize category sales. Synthesize multiple data sources including POS, Panel, Shopper card and Insights to craft compelling, concise and actionable selling stories. Lead the creation of everyday line reviews, seasonal reviews and check lane reviews. Play a leadership role in conducting category management reviews, analyzing business issues, and providing business insights and recommendations in the areas of assortment, pricing, and promotion to improve business results. Present analysis, trend information and category opportunities directly to ADUSA building a strong relationship directly with the buyers or retailer category managers to influence retailer strategy and support Lindt business objectives. In collaboration with the Category team and specific Brand Managers, lead the creation of seasonal and key initiative selling presentations contributing insights while also combining inputs into a comprehensive selling story. Sales & Marketing Support Influence the development of strategic sales and category action plans for the Grocery channel through the sharing of knowledge gained from customer specific shopper card information. Help to establish priorities that are consistent with Lindt and key account goals and objectives, market share and overall category profitability. Actively participate in weekly team calls or meetings with respective Sales Managers and/or Marketing. Research and Analysis Serve as the expert on the Grocery Channel and ADUSA by fully understanding shopper motivations, triggers and barriers through available shopper card, custom research or panel information. Be the information expert in the analysis of syndicated data, shopper card data, household panel data, and customer point of sale data, leading to key insights and business recommendations in the areas of item distribution and assortment, pricing and promotion. Qualifications & Requirements: Experience: 5+ years Category Management and analytical experience. 5+ years experience mining data systems, such as: Circana/IRI, Nielsen Suite/ IQ, Numerator Info Retriever, Retail Link, Kantar, Blue Yonder JDA Space Planning Suite, Syndigo Circana FSP CPG experience Skills & Knowledge: Experience in using retailer shopper card portals (i.e. EYC, 84.51, Symphony AI, etc) Advanced computer skills; advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint. Advanced analytical and reporting skills. Ability to work independently to complete projects in a timely fashion. Excellent written and oral communication. Demonstrated success in cross functional work environments. Ability to problem solve and multi-task in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. Planogram building & writing experience (i.e. Blue Yonder JDA Space Planning Suite) Education: Bachelor's degree required Master's degree in related field, preferred Other Requirements: Travel ~25% #J-18808-Ljbffr Lindt