Sr. Category Manager

The Sr. Category Manager is responsible for developing and leading the category strategy for the buns and rolls category across Away From Home and At Home Channels. The Sr. Category Manager will lead the product lifecycle from market research, product development, marketing programming, product commercialization, SKU rationalization as well as managing the unique ingredient/packaging write offs. They also support the pricing and promotion of the products in the assigned category. Support and develop direct reports to be a high functioning results driven team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities and gaps for new and/or existing products in the category. Utilize the data to communicate the story of the strength of the category and brand.
• Implement and support development of the product category strategy, positioning, value proposition and roadmap, aligning with the company's overall goals and objectives.
• Become the subject matter expert/point of contact on assigned categories, supporting training initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as Sales, R&D, and Operations, to deliver high-quality products that meet customer expectations and business requirements.
• Partner with Sales to support key customer initiatives and presentations to drive growth across the category.
• Manage the product portfolio, ensuring optimal mix and assortment across channels.
• Evaluate the performance of the products in the category, using data and metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Support pricing discussions and price lists for assigned product categories.
• Support promotion/programming (inclusive of digital assets), and placement of the products in the category, using market research and testing to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction.
• Support to seamlessly execute and commercialize product launches, utilizing established commercialization processes for both branded and private label.
• Stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the category and the industry and provide insights and recommendations to the management and the team.
• Levers marketplace insights to provide strategic direction for brand growth across all relevant segments for Away From Home and At Home channels.
• Work closely with Demand Planning to ensure accurate forecasting.
• Works internally with the Marketing team and external agencies to create, activate, and track relevant brand-building sales tools and initiatives.
• Drive brand growth of existing products and new product development to achieve annual goals and foster a positive work environment.
• Ensure GS1 compliance for all products in the category.
• Guide and support direct reports in the duties and responsibilities above for their categories.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or other related field.
• MBA or post graduate work in Marketing would be a plus.
• 3 years+ of experience in product management, marketing, category management, or a similar role.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient use of computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), and other related applications or software.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to use data and insights to drive results.
• Communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Creative, innovative, and customer-oriented mindset, with the passion and vision to create and launch successful products.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong ability to lead and motivate others.
• Works effectively and efficiently with diverse groups of associates and customers ranging from entry level to executive level positions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manage one or more direct reports.
• Work requires supervising and monitoring work performance of direct reports including making final decisions on hiring and disciplinary actions, evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed.
• Develop functional responsibilities of individuals that report to this position and ensure that best-in class output is created.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort: