C.A. Carlin · 3 days ago
Category Manager
Schaumburg, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$95K/yr - $105K/yr
5+ years expC.A. Carlin is a leading privately held sales agency in the CPG industry, seeking a Category Manager to drive analytics and insights for core and new product initiatives. The role involves optimizing pricing, promotion, distribution, and shelf placement while acting as an internal consultant to sales teams and clients.
MarketingProfessional ServicesRetailSales
Responsibilities
Define and implement an advanced business intelligence strategy aligned with the Insights Pillar vision, ensuring the function delivers actionable and measurable impact. In addition, support 1-5 top clients including reporting, retailer category reviews, client/retailer performance, etc
Drive proficiency in key analytical tools and methodologies, optimizing how the team leverages SPINS, Nielsen, IRI, Mintel, and other data sources to uncover business opportunities
Develop and execute category management strategies aligned with client KPIs and best-in-class merchandising principles
Create fact-based category reviews, business reviews, and selling stories that integrate shopper, distributor, syndicated, and consumer insights to drive informed decision-making
Lead and present business reviews and strategic recommendations to clients and retailers, influencing go-to-market strategies and shelf-space optimization
Conduct post-promotional analyses to optimize future planning, ensuring programs deliver ROI and align with best practices
Serve as a key insights partner to internal teams, fostering alignment across category management, sales, and marketing
Continuously refine methodologies for reporting, distribution void identification, and opportunity gap quantification to drive efficiency and effectiveness
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree plus 5+ years of CPG industry experience, preferably in Natural/Specialty/Organic food and beverage
Advanced proficiency in SPINS (Satori), Nielsen, IRI, and other data platforms
Expertise in selling story development, category reviews, and category management principles
Highly advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills to support data storytelling
Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights and drive strategic recommendations
Track record of implementing scalable processes to improve reporting, analytics, and team productivity
Strong ability to translate data-driven insights into clear, compelling narratives for both internal and external stakeholders
Thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a focus on continuous improvement and impact
Preferred
UNFI experience
Extensive Nielsen experience
Experience presenting to retailers
Benefits
PTO & Sick Days
11 paid company holidays per year
2 paid volunteer days per year
3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender)
Medical, dental, and vision
Paid company life insurance
401k with company match
Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day)
Work from home flexibility
Company
C.A. Carlin
C.A. Carlin is a sales agency with capabilities in sales management, marketing and analytics, and retail services.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Jeffrey Mahler
Chief Operating Officer
Recent News
2024-04-01
Company data provided by crunchbase