The J.M. Smucker Co. · 7 hours ago
Lead, Category Leadership - Walmart
Bentonville, AR
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
6+ years expThe J.M. Smucker Co. is seeking a Lead, Category Leadership for Walmart, who will act as a trusted partner to Walmart's merchant team. This role involves driving category growth through data-driven insights, strategic recommendations, and flawless execution, while leading a small team and collaborating across various internal departments.
ConfectioneryFood and BeverageManufacturing
Responsibilities
Act as point person for Walmart merchants on category, shopper, and consumer trends, providing fact-based, insight-led recommendations
Lead the modular build process, delivering optimized planograms and assortment strategies that align with Walmart’s objectives
Conduct category reviews, SWOT analyses, and scorecard development using syndicated and POS data (Circana, Scintilla, Primary/Secondary Research)
Assess new product introductions, market analyses, and assortment changes to drive category and brand growth
Integrate data from multiple sources (syndicated, panel, POS, customer insights) to uncover compelling trends and develop actionable recommendations
Utilize tools such as Scintilla, Excel, PowerPoint, Circana, JDA, and Tableau for analysis and reporting
Deliver accurate, insightful reporting to Walmart with expert commentary on current performance and future trends
Work cross-functionally with internal teams (Sales, Marketing, Insights, R&D) to support buyer strategies and category initiatives
Participate in account strategic planning processes and collaborate on assortment, space, and merchandising solutions
Present findings and recommendations confidently to Walmart merchants and internal stakeholders at all levels
Stay abreast of industry developments and best practices in category management, proactively seeking opportunities to strengthen professional competence
Adopt a continuous improvement mindset to elevate advisory execution and advocate for resources and technology to provide leading category capabilities
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of Consumer Packaged Goods experience
2+ years of Walmart Category Advisory experience
Experience building relationships within customers / retailers
Experience in analysis of shopper / consumer-based CPG information
Strong analytical skills, problem solving, and storytelling experience
Scintilla Channel Performance and Shopper experience
JDA ProSpace software experience
Ability to lead and motivate others
Excellent organization and written / verbal communication skills
Proficient in leveraging syndicated data
Ability to develop and translate insights into actions
Strategic mindset to help build and execute effective plans
Business & Financial Acumen
Ability to travel up to 15%
Preferred
Shelf IQ experience
Experience supervising direct reports and fostering collaboration across a team
Benefits
Helping our Employees Thrive
Delivering on Our Purpose
Our Continued Commitment to Ensuring a Workplace for All
Company
The J.M. Smucker Co.
At The J.M. Smucker Co., it is our privilege to make food people and pets love by offering a diverse family of brands available across North America.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Rebecca Scheidler
Senior Vice President & General Manager, Consumer Foods
Recent News
2025-11-25
2025-10-15
Bleichmar Fonti & Auld
2025-09-26
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