Senior Manager - Category Management & Strategy

Job Summary Homeland Talent Solutions has partnered with a leading merchandising, planning, and analytics firm that helps grocery retailers and suppliers drive market share, strengthen customer loyalty, and increase profitability through data-driven insights, category expertise, pricing strategy, and customer analytics. As the organization continues to expand its impact within the grocery sector, it is seeking a Senior Manager – Category Planning and Management to support strategic category initiatives across fresh and center store categories. This highly visible role offers the opportunity to influence category strategy, collaborate with leading retailers and suppliers, and make a direct impact on sales growth, profitability, customer loyalty, and market share. Responsibilities Lead category planning and management initiatives across grocery retail categories to drive sales growth, profitability, market share, and customer satisfaction Analyze category performance, customer behavior, market trends, and competitive activity to identify growth opportunities and business risks Develop recommendations related to assortment planning, category optimization, pricing strategy, promotional effectiveness, and merchandising execution Partner with suppliers and retailer stakeholders to develop category strategies that align with business objectives and shopper needs Evaluate category performance using sales, margin, inventory, customer, and market data to drive data-based decision-making Support assortment optimization initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve product mix, shelf productivity, and overall category performance Collaborate with merchandising, operations, analytics, marketing, and supply chain teams to support category objectives Leverage customer analytics and shopper insights to improve category strategy and promotional planning Monitor industry trends, consumer behavior, and emerging opportunities within the grocery retail landscape Present strategic recommendations, performance insights, and business cases to internal and external stakeholders Requirements 7–15 years of progressive experience in grocery retail, category management, merchandising, supplier management, or related analytical functions Strong expertise in category planning, category management, supplier collaboration, and grocery retail operations Experience utilizing category analytics and customer insights to support strategic business decisions Understanding of assortment planning, assortment optimization, pricing strategy, and promotional planning processes Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable recommendations Proven ability to influence stakeholders and build collaborative relationships across multiple functions and organizational levels Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management skills Bachelor's degree, preferred; equivalent experience will be considered Familiarity with category management tools, assortment optimization platforms, pricing and promotion systems, or related decision-support technologies, preferred Experience working with large regional or national grocery retailers, preferred Background in category management, merchandising strategy, retail consulting, or advanced analytics, preferred Experience supporting fresh food or perishables category initiatives, preferred Knowledge of supplier management, vendor partnerships, and category growth strategies, preferred Benefits This position offers a competitive annual salary of $200,000-$250,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package. EEO Notice Homeland LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Homeland LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Homeland LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request. #J-18808-Ljbffr Homeland Talent Solutions