Job Overview:  

The Account Manager/Category Insights is responsible for developing and executing customer-focused category strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, and competitive advantage across assigned accounts. 

This role combines category management, analytics, and customer-facing sales expertise to deliver tailored Category Business Plans (CBPs), optimize assortment, pricing, and promotions, and strengthen customer partnerships. The position serves as a key liaison across Sales, Merchandising, Marketing, and supplier partners to ensure alignment and execution of category initiatives. 

Job Responsibilities:  

Core Responsibilities  

Category Business Planning 

• Develop and execute Category Business Plans (CBPs) aligned with company objectives and customer strategies 

• Translate national and regional initiatives into customer-specific plans and execution strategies 

• Leverage syndicated data, shopper insights, and market trends to identify opportunities and risks 

• Support the development of annual, quarterly, and periodic sales and category plans 

Customer & Sales Partnership 

• Serve as the category expert for assigned customers, partnering closely with Sales and Account Managers 

• Participate in and support customer business reviews, providing data-driven insights and recommendations 

• Identify customer needs and growth opportunities to expand category performance and share 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers to support long-term business growth 

Financial Tools & Analysis 

• Monitor sales, margin, and category performance against targets and forecasts 

• Utilize financial tools and P&L reporting to evaluate performance and inform decisions 

• Provide analysis and recommendations to improve profitability and optimize category performance 

• Support budgeting and forecasting processes for assigned categories and customers 

Promotions 

• Plan and execute promotional strategies in collaboration with suppliers, brokers, and internal teams 

• Evaluate promotional effectiveness and adjust plans to improve ROI 

• Customize national programs to align with customer-specific needs and opportunities 

• Support communication of promotional plans to sales teams for execution 

Resets, Shelf Management & Assortment 

• Optimize product assortment based on customer needs, performance data, and market trends 

• Support planogram development, category resets, and merchandising strategies 

• Collaborate with sales and field teams to ensure strong in-store execution 

• Conduct store visits and category reviews to validate strategy and identify opportunities 

Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Serve as a point of contact for suppliers and brokers for assigned categories 

• Support negotiations, promotional planning, and vendor partnerships 

• Collaborate with internal teams across Sales, Marketing, Analytics, and Merchandising 

• Provide category expertise, training, and insights to internal stakeholders 

People & Project Leadership 

• Independently manage multiple initiatives and priorities in a matrixed environment 

• Lead cross-functional projects and coordinate execution across teams 

• Demonstrate strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills 

Performs other duties as assigned. 

Job Requirements:  

Education/ Certifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience 

Experience:  

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in Category Management, Sales, or Merchandising 

• Category management experience with proven performance utilizing syndicated data (e.g., IRI, Nielsen/Circana, or similar data sources) to deliver actionable insights and drive business results 

• Experience working with retail customers and managing category performance 

• Proven track record of driving sales growth and margin improvement  

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities 

• Strong understanding of category management principles and consumer behavior 

• Ability to analyze and interpret data to drive business decisions and performance 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively 

• Experience working cross-functionally in a matrixed organization 

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills 

• Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) 

• Experience with syndicated data platforms and category management tools 

• Ability to think strategically while executing tactically 

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement category plans that drive results 

• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available. 

Work Environment:  

Hybrid Role:  

• This position follows a hybrid schedule working in office 4 days per week. The acceptable split between onsite and remote work is determined by the manager. Hybrid associates may choose to work from an office on a more frequent basis than required.  

Travel (minor):  

• This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons. 

Physical Environment/Demands:  

Office Roles: 

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.  

• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.  

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.    

• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.  

• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.