Category Insights Account Manager - Boston

Job Overview

The Account Manager/Category Insights is responsible for developing and executing customer-focused category strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, and competitive advantage across assigned accounts.

This role combines category management, analytics, and customer-facing sales expertise to deliver tailored Category Business Plans (CBPs), optimize assortment, pricing, and promotions, and strengthen customer partnerships. The position serves as a key liaison across Sales, Merchandising, Marketing, and supplier partners to ensure alignment and execution of category initiatives.

• Develop and execute Category Business Plans (CBPs) aligned with company objectives and customer strategies

• Translate national and regional initiatives into customer-specific plans and execution strategies

• Leverage syndicated data, shopper insights, and market trends to identify opportunities and risks

• Support the development of annual, quarterly, and periodic sales and category plans

• Serve as the category expert for assigned customers, partnering closely with Sales and Account Managers

• Participate in and support customer business reviews, providing data-driven insights and recommendations

• Identify customer needs and growth opportunities to expand category performance and share

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers to support long-term business growth

• Monitor sales, margin, and category performance against targets and forecasts

• Utilize financial tools and P&L reporting to evaluate performance and inform decisions

• Provide analysis and recommendations to improve profitability and optimize category performance

• Support budgeting and forecasting processes for assigned categories and customers

• Plan and execute promotional strategies in collaboration with suppliers, brokers, and internal teams

• Evaluate promotional effectiveness and adjust plans to improve ROI

• Customize national programs to align with customer-specific needs and opportunities

• Support communication of promotional plans to sales teams for execution

• Optimize product assortment based on customer needs, performance data, and market trends

• Support planogram development, category resets, and merchandising strategies

• Collaborate with sales and field teams to ensure strong in-store execution

• Conduct store visits and category reviews to validate strategy and identify opportunities

• Serve as a point of contact for suppliers and brokers for assigned categories

• Support negotiations, promotional planning, and vendor partnerships

• Collaborate with internal teams across Sales, Marketing, Analytics, and Merchandising

• Provide category expertise, training, and insights to internal stakeholders

• Independently manage multiple initiatives and priorities in a matrixed environment

• Lead cross-functional projects and coordinate execution across teams

• Demonstrate strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in Category Management, Sales, or Merchandising

• Category management experience with proven performance utilizing syndicated data (e.g., IRI, Nielsen/Circana, or similar data sources) to deliver actionable insights and drive business results

• Experience working with retail customers and managing category performance

• Proven track record of driving sales growth and margin improvement

• Strong understanding of category management principles and consumer behavior

• Ability to analyze and interpret data to drive business decisions and performance

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively

• Experience working cross-functionally in a matrixed organization

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills

• Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders

• Proficiency in…