Category Manager

C.A. Fortune is a national consumer-centric integrated commerce agency built to help brands win at retail. We deliver sales strategy, in-store execution, full-service marketing, and digital commerce through a single, fully integrated partner. Our capabilities span the full shelf: from getting brands on it, to getting them off it. We bring together sales experts, marketers, e-commerce specialists, data analysts, and creatives to help brands grow, compete, and lead.

About the Role

As a Category Manager at C.A. Fortune, you will play an important role maintaining the go-to-market analytics designed to support, track, and grow core and new product initiatives for all retailers and channels with a focus on Alberstons. You will provide analytics and insights to optimize pricing, promotion, distribution, and shelf placement, as well as participate in business review analyses. This position will maintain value-added and actionable category management tools, incorporating customer learning and strategic brand insights to guide sales and clients in achieving key performance objectives. You will act as an internal consultant and trusted advisor to our sales organization and top clients.

This role is fully remote, with Boise, ID preferred. If local to Chicago, IL, a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week in the office is required. Travel requirements: 10-20% to present to clients.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement an advanced business intelligence strategy aligned with the Insights Pillar vision, ensuring actionable and measurable impact.
• Support 1-5 top clients, including reporting, retailer category reviews, and client/retailer performance analysis.
• Drive proficiency in key analytical tools and methodologies, optimizing the use of 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 integrating 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.
• Partner with sales teams to develop and deliver compelling account presentations on new items, share of shelf, and efficient assortment strategies.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree plus 5+ years of CPG industry experience, preferably in Natural/Specialty/Organic food and beverage.
• Advanced proficiency in SymphonyAI (Shopper360), 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 Qualifications

• Albertsons experience
• SymphonyAI experience
• Extensive Nielsen experience
• Experience presenting to retailers

Pay

Salary: $85,000 - $95,000 based on experience, qualifications, and skills.

Benefits

• PTO & Sick Days
• 11 paid company holidays per year
• 1 Floating Holiday
• 2 paid volunteer days per year
• 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid company life insurance
• 401k with company match
• Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day through Labor Day)
• Work from home flexibility
• Bonus eligibility