Senior Category Analyst

Overview of the Role

• The Senior Category Analyst will champion the development and maintenance of the go-to-market analytics designed to support, track, and grow core and new product initiatives for all retailers and channels. They will act as a leader by providing the analytics and insights needed to optimize pricing, promotion, distribution, displays and shelf placement, and lead quarterly business review analysis. The position will develop and maintain value-added and actionable category management tools, incorporating customer learning and strategic brand insights that will guide sales and business managers to achieve volume and distribution objectives.
  
  This position will perform as if they are the category manager, internal consultant, and trusted advisor to our sales organization and clients.
• Fully remote or, if local to Chicago, IL, a hybrid schedule will be observed 3 days in office.
• Salary range $70,000 - $80,000 depending on experience, qualifications and skills.
• Travel requirements: 5-10% to present to clients.

• Implement category management strategy to develop fact-based category reviews, business reviews and selling stories.
• Present business reviews to client, clearly articulating trends and recommendations to optimize strategic planning and selling efforts.
• Develop and deliver presentations relative to topline reporting, sales reviews, category reviews, overall business trends, merchandising, assortment, pricing, and shelving across the omnichannel landscape.
• Work with the Account Managers to manage the KPI’s across retailers and determine key opportunities within a given category or market using customer POS, syndicated data, competitive pricing, market data, and other sources to provide actionable recommendations.
• Analyze sets of data to provide insights and recommendations addressing product, placement, pricing, and promotions to support the achievement of sales and marketing objectives.
• Project work will include analytics related to topline reporting, sales reviews, category reviews, overall business trends, merchandising, assortment, pricing, and shelving across the omnichannel landscape.
• Develop, track, and monitor regular reporting that enables category leadership to quickly understand market trends and opportunities.
• Evaluate effectiveness of programs and communicate strategy and best practices internally and externally.

• Bachelor’s Degree plus 3-7 years CPG industry sales and category management experience (Natural/Specialty/Organic food and/or beverage preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Expert level Excel with experience using tools such as VLOOKUP, Index Match, Advanced conditional formatting, Pivot Tables/charts and reporting.
• 2+ years of experience in SPINS (Satori), Nielsen and Circana (IRI) data.
• Experience in selling story development, category reviews & category management principals.
• Experience in data visualization platforms (e.g., Spotfire, PowerBI).
• Attention to detail and technical, report running, and analytical abilities.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Advanced communications skills, ability to clearly articulate complex concepts in a concise manner.
• A demonstrated competency in multi-tasking and problem-solving with focus on meeting deadlines.
• Strong analytical thinker; can turn self-developed strategies/efficient processes into execution.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

• Experience at a retailer or manufacturer.

• PTO and sick days
• 11 paid company holidays per year
• 1 floating holiday
• 2 paid volunteer days per year
• Bonus eligible
• 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender)
• Medical, dental, and vision
• Monthly cell phone allowance
• Paid company life insurance
• 401k with company match
• Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day)
• Work from home flexibility

C.A. is committed to making our company more inclusive. Diversity fuels our innovation and better connects us to our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. We encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of qualifications, especially if this role aligns with your career trajectory.