Associate Category Manager
Job Location: Minneapolis, MN Job Duration: 6 Months on W2Summary:
The Associate Category Manager collaborates with the Category Manager to blend shopper and category insights with top-notch analytics, crafting strategies that boost share and drive growth for Target in the Dairy aisle. You will work across multiple levels within Target and Danone to develop and influence an omnichannel category strategy—both online and at the shelf. Together with the Category Manager, you will drive category growth by identifying opportunities and testing recommendations using top industry tools.
Key Responsibilities:
Drive category management principles through the application of strong data analytics and consumer/shopper insights. Use multiple data sources to develop reports that include sales/share reporting, opportunity gap analysis, assortment assessment, planogram analysis, post promotion analysis, item tracking, pricing studies, financial performance, sales, and other performance trackers. Become our customers' first call for by synthesizing learnings from various syndicated data sources to create clear and impactful category insights and recommendations. Co-develop strategic business plans and strategies for achieving category volume, contribution, and share objectives. Conduct detailed category decompositions and deliver insights-to-action by identifying trends, opportunities, and challenges to core business areas in an extremely fast paced environment. Drive planogram development and implementation to support the Category Strategic Growth Plan. Work with teams across functions (Consumer Insights, eCommerce, Center of Excellence) to develop tailored solutions that support customer key initiatives.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree, with 2-3 years' experience in Category Management, Customer Management, Insights or Sales Strategy. Client experience required; Target experience preferred. Knowledge and interpretation of syndicated data sources: Circana, Nielsen, POS/Panel, Loyalty Card Data, Numerator. Ability to develop strong relationships with external & internal partners to drive results. Understanding of Target's Assortment and Planogram execution processes. Ability to link analytics from traditional data sources with new capabilities and tools to develop insights into action. Strong working knowledge and execution of shelving standards and associated shelving software tools. (JDA, POG Gen, etc.) Excellent planning, analytical, and communication skills are required, along with proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel. Own weekly and monthly reporting, including weekly category scorecards, pricing, digital performance, ad recaps; monthly Circana share reporting. Support category reviews and transitions/revisions by preparing new-item recaps, seasonal analysis and post-revision results. Execute planogram activities, including product library updates, prefill information, sales-by-store analysis, create and manage planogram folders, and own Shel IQ execution. Support key team and buyer priorities including weekly buyer status follow ups, store walks, data pulls, promotional recaps.
