Job Description:

Category Manager, Club & All Other Value 

Chicago, IL

The Category Manager is responsible for managing category leadership solutions for Club/AO Value. The position will focus on the Mars Snacking business including Chocolate Candy, Non-Chocolate Candy, Gum, Mints, Snacks and Seasonal. This role is expected to provide fact and insight-based solutions that drive growth for the category within the business. Utilizing shopper insight, opportunity identification and full understanding of products, assortment, pricing, placement, shelving, promotion, and merchandising, this role is the primary insight provider for our confectionery businesses across the marketplace. This role will work closely with internal and external partners.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3-5 years of experience in Sales or Category Management, within CPG and/or retail
• 1 year of business analytics experience
• Experience working with syndicated data software (i.e., 1010, IRI or Nielsen)
• Experience working in Assortment Planning or Space Management Software (i.e. Apollo, Intercept, etc)
• Experience with promotional / non promotional strategy development
• Strong problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills
• Solid written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree
• 5+ years of experience in Sales or Category Management
• 2+ year of business analytics experience
• Previous experience in managing the Confectionery businesses
• Solid knowledge of Shopper Insights and Marketing Research and Strategy
• Experience in project development and partnering with large strategic retail customers
• Advanced data mining experience including shopper loyalty card and household panel data

What would be your key responsibilities?

• Create and plan category leadership solutions that deliver profitable sales growth for Club/AO Value across all business segments. These solutions should include shopper and category insights across: products/ assortment, placement, shelving, merchandising, pricing, and promotions.
• Where appropriate, manage and deliver against the responsibilities of the Category Captaincy/Advisory process in partnership with Club/AO Value.
• Influence Club/AO Value by identifying specific opportunities, assist with any research and lead projects to deliver category leadership solutions benefitting both retailers and MWC.
• Influence Annual Account Business Planning at Club/AO Value , through full partnering with sales team, by providing actionable category insights and solutions that support category leadership objectives for customer, company and category
• Identify specific research opportunities (shopper, consumer, etc.) to bring new learning to category leadership solutions.
• Execute all agreed to category leadership solutions with Club/AO Value to include success measures and detailed follow through
• Evaluate/ monitor all customer category leadership solutions, turn analysis into recommended action and continually improve to be more effective and efficient for category.
• Leverage insights and resources through the utilization of a broad range of data sources, market research findings, tools, analyses, and technology to continually bring new shopper ideas to selected retailers and Mars; incorporate in all category solutions for selected retailers.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 150,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we are striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.