Category Manager

Deep Dive is a business intelligence and insights agency where data meets creativity — and retail ideas come to life. We partner with retailers as category captains and trusted advisors to shape category and channel strategies that grow sales, market share, and shopper love.

Think of us as an extension of the merchant team — your go-to crew for turning insights into action m planograms and reporting to data analytics, insights, and strategy building, we do it all under one roof.

What drives us? Curiosity, collaboration, and a passion for retail. We ask questions, dig deeper, and listen closely to uncover what really moves shoppers. By blending the art and science of retail, we build merchandising strategies designed to win — in every aisle, every store, every day.

As part of Market Performance Group (MPG) — a national leader in omnichannel strategy, commercialization, and retail services — we bring the scale, relationships, and expertise of a proven industry powerhouse, paired with the agility and entrepreneurial energy of a local team that loves what we do.

We’re growing fast, and we’re looking for people who thrive on collaboration, creativity, and impact. If you love working with retailers, solving problems, and seeing your work come to life in real stores and digital aisles — you’ll fit right in.

We’re looking for a strategic and insights-driven Category Manager to lead category growth and performance across our retail partners. In this role, you’ll act as the expert on shopper behavior, market trends, and retailer dynamics — shaping category strategies that drive sales, share, and profitability. You’ll work cross-functionally with Merchandising, Inventory, and Space Planning teams to translate data into actionable strategies that strengthens category performance in-store and online.

• Drive Category Strategy:
  Develop and execute category strategies that align with both company and retailer goals, leveraging consumer insights, market data, and competitive trends.
• Lead Retailer
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with key retail customers to build category plans, support joint business planning, and identify opportunities for mutual growth.
• Analyze & Report Performance:
  Monitor sales, share, and margin KPIs; deliver insights to inform assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies.
• Optimize Assortment:
  Recommend product mix, placement, and innovation strategies based on shopper needs and category trends.
• Planogram Building:
  Bring the category strategy to life through the development and execution of both virtual and physical planograms.
• Manage Pricing & Promotions:
  Develop data-driven pricing and promotional plans that improve category performance and strengthen brand positioning.
• Partner Cross-Functionally:
  Work closely with Buyers, Planners, Inventory, and Space Planning teams to ensure cohesive execution of category initiatives.
• Provide Shopper & Market Insights:
  Translate syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, Circana, Numerator) into actionable insights to drive category growth and retailer relationships.
• Influence Decisions:
  Act as the category expert — guiding internal stakeholders and retail partners with fact-based recommendations.

• Proven track record working with major retailers, preferably Target
• 4–7 years of category management or trade marketing experience within the CPG industry.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data tools (e.g., Nielsen, Circana, Numerator, Greenfield (VIQ).
• Proficiency with planogram software (Blue Yonder/JDA).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
• Ability to translate complex data into compelling business stories.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across teams and retailer partners.
• Strategic thinker with a bias for action and results.

The expected base salary range for this position is $90,000 - $130,000 annually, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications. In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for performance-based bonuses and other compensation programs.

MPG offers a generous package of health benefits, including medical,…