Category Manager, Kroger

Category Manager, Kroger

As a member of the Campbell Snacks Category Management Team, the Kroger Category Manager will drive both strategic and tactical thought leadership with the retailer, supporting the delivery of team growth objectives and serving as a trusted advisor to Kroger.

• 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

• The Kroger Category Manager will work with buyers, insights teams, and senior leaders with the goal of driving strategic category direction. 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 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/NielsenIQ
• 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 analytical skills with strong attention to detail; excels at math, analytics, and problem‑solving
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills (written and verbal); comfortable presenting to senior buyer teams and internal leadership
• High degree of self‑motivation, organization, and discipline; able to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong technical skills in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint; experience with Tableau or Power BI a plus
• Team‑oriented with the ability to collaborate cross‑functionally and build relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders

• This is a hybrid position working from the Campbell Snacks local office three (3) days a week (Sharonville, OH) and Home Office two (2) days a week
• Collaborative relationships and team focus are vital to the success of this role
• Approximately 10% travel is required for customer & team…