Category Insights Account Manager Carlisle

Account Manager/Category Insights

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.

Core Responsibilities

• 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

Customer & Sales Partnership

• 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

Financial Tools & Analysis

• 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

Promotions

• 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

Resets, Shelf Management & Assortment

• 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

Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• 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

People & Project Leadership

• 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.

Job Requirements

Education/

Certifications:

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

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

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• 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 Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Experience with syndicated data platforms and category management tools
• Ability to think strategically while executing tactically
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement category plans that drive results
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Hybrid Role:

• This position follows a hybrid schedule. The acceptable split between onsite and remote work is determined by the manager. Hybrid associates may choose to work from an office on a more frequent basis than required.

Travel (minor):

• This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

• Most work is performed in a…