Category Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Category Strategy: Develop and execute category strategies that align with both company and retailer goals, leveraging consumer insights, market data, and competitive trends.
• Lead Retailer Collaboration: Partner with key retail customers to build category plans, support joint business planning, and identify opportunities for mutual growth.
• Analyze & Report Performance: Monitor sales, share, and margin KPIs; deliver insights to inform assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.
• Optimize Assortment: Recommend product mix, placement, and innovation strategies based on shopper needs and category trends.
• Planogram Building: Bring the category strategy to life through the development and execution of both virtual and physical planograms.
• Manage Pricing & Promotions: Develop data-driven pricing and promotional plans that improve category performance and strengthen brand positioning.
• Partner Cross-Functionally: Work closely with Buyers, Planners, Inventory, and Space Planning teams to ensure cohesive execution of category initiatives.
• Provide Shopper & Market Insights: Translate syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, Circana, Numerator) into actionable insights to drive category growth and retailer relationships.
• Influence Decisions: Act as the category expert — guiding internal stakeholders and retail partners with fact-based recommendations.

Required Experience And Education

• Proven track record working with major retailers, preferably Target
• 4–7 years of category management or trade marketing experience within the CPG industry
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data tools (e.g., Nielsen, Circana, Numerator, Greenfield (VIQ))
• Proficiency with planogram software (Blue Yonder/JDA)
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills
• Ability to translate complex data into compelling business stories
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across teams and retailer partners
• Strategic thinker with a bias for action and results

Compensation

The expected base salary range for this position is $90,000 - $130,000 annually, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications. In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for performance-based bonuses and other compensation programs.

Benefits

• Health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, paid maternity/paternity leave and life insurance
• Cash compensation program providing market industry base salary, bonuses, and 401K
• Unlimited paid time off
• Equity and Inclusion

Equal Opportunity & Accommodation

We are dedicated to providing equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex or gender, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, family medical history, genetic information or other protected medical condition, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by and in accordance with applicable laws. We are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive application and selection process. Should you require accommodation during the recruitment or hiring process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at talent.acquisition@mpgllc.com and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.