Space Planning & Insights Manager

Company/Location Overview

Sazerac Company has a rich history dating back almost 400 years, operating globally with a focus on American family-owned brands. Known for its award-winning products like Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, and Sazerac Rye, Sazerac also owns popular brands across various spirits. The Louisville office has been recognized as one of the "Best Places to Work in Kentucky" four times, and the Buffalo Trace Distillery has won the title of "world’s most award-winning distillery." Sazerac offers competitive salaries and benefits in an innovative and forward-thinking industry.

Job Description/Responsibilities

As a Space Planning Manager, you will develop strategies to enhance category performance in the alcohol industry. This role involves leveraging shopper insights and analytical tools to consult on product placement and support retailer initiatives. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading a team of space planning analysts and setting priorities.
• Leading space management initiatives across National Large Format and Control State retailers.
• Developing category captaincies and strategic customer engagements aligned with retailer and Sazerac priorities.
• Building relationships with retail partners and internal stakeholders to influence decisions with fact-based recommendations.
• Translating shopper insights, syndicated data, and category strategies into actionable shelf and merchandising recommendations.
• Evaluating planogram effectiveness to optimize assortment, share of shelf, adjacencies, shopper flow, and space productivity.
• Partnering with the Category Leadership Team to execute space management initiatives for best-in-class planograms.
• Delivering persuasive reporting and presentations to both internal and external stakeholders, providing fact-based shelving recommendations and category insights.

Required Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Analytics, or related field.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in space management, space planning, category management, merchandising, or retail analytics.
• 2+ years of consumer-packaged goods, beverage alcohol, or retail industry experience.
• Experience leading projects and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge of space planning tools such as JDA/Blue Yonder, Shelf IQ, or similar platforms.
• Experience with Circana, NielsenIQ, and other syndicated data sources.
• Strong Excel and Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytical skills.
• Strong project management, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to translate data into actionable customer and merchandising recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Valid driver's license.