Category Manager, Kroger

Category Manager, Kroger

The Kroger Category Manager on the Campbell Snacks Category Management Team is responsible for driving both strategic and tactical thought leadership with the retailer. This role is accountable for delivering against team growth objectives, partnering on category reviews, leading monthly performance tracking, and serving as a trusted advisor to Kroger.

Primary responsibilities include collaborating with key retailer decision‑makers to align on business priorities, identify insight needs, and uncover whitespace opportunities. Proficiency in point‑of‑sale data and analytical tools is essential to develop clear, actionable category recommendations and achieve success in this role.

• Benefits begin on day one and include medical, dental, short and long‑term disability, AD&D, and life insurance (for individuals, families, and domestic partners).
• Employees are eligible for a matching 401(k) plan and can enroll on the first day of employment with immediate vesting.
• Campbell’s offers unlimited sick time along with paid time off and holiday pay.
• In WHQ – free access to the fitness center, on‑site day care (operated by Bright Horizons), and company store.
• The “Campbell’s Cares” program matches employee donations and/or volunteer activity up to $1,500 annually.
• Various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) support employees.

• Proactively develop collaborative relationships with Kroger to be viewed as a trusted resource for category insights and objective growth opportunities.
• Actively advise retailer partners on category and shopper‑centric opportunities to grow market share.
• Support the development of category strategy and assist the customer with integrated category strategy development.
• Support strategic and tactical recommendations on Distribution, Shelving, Merchandising, and Pricing (DSMP) goals to improve overall category performance.
• Build multi‑year category growth strategies aligned to Kroger business objectives and Campbell Snacks brand priorities.
• Identify category white space opportunities and provide actionable recommendations to the Kroger buying team.

• Mine syndicated data (Circana/IRI, Nielsen) and retailer‑specific 84.51° Stratum / OnDemand data to generate category‑level insights and performance reporting.
• Conduct shopper segmentation, basket analysis, and purchase behavior studies using 84.51° Stratum.
• Build compelling, story‑driven presentations with clear data visualization.
• Develop customer‑specific presentations of relevant consumer insights, competitive responses, and new item/category selling strategies.
• Lead comprehensive planogram insights and assortment analysis to identify and drive strategic sales opportunities.
• Use JDA/Blue Yonder space management tools to create compliant, shopper‑centric planograms.
• Actively lead and participate in line reviews, recurring customer category reviews, JBP plans, and Top‑to‑Top meetings.
• Align closely with the Campbell Snacks Kroger Sales team to integrate category insights into joint business planning (JBP) processes.
• Develop strong working relationships with category leadership, buyers, and cross‑functional departments.

• This role requires professionalism, executive presence, and the ability to balance customer and Campbell Snacks priorities daily.
• Works with cross‑functional groups including the retailer, internal customer team(s), and World HQ resources.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field required; MBA preferred.
• 4+ years of CPG sales, category management, or data analytics experience.
• Experience working directly with Kroger or a comparable top 10 retailer preferred.
• Proficiency in syndicated data platforms:
  Circana (IRI) and/or Nielsen/Nielsen
  
  IQ.
• Experience with loyalty card data platforms (e.g., 84.51° Stratum, dunnhumby, EYC, etc.).
• Hands‑on experience with space management/POG software (JDA/Blue Yonder, Apollo, Pro Space, or equivalent); ability to create and draw planograms.
• Ability to synthesize multiple data sources to develop clear, concise category stories and selling presentations; strong strategic storytelling skills.
• Excellent…