Director, Category Management & Product Development – Own Brands

Prior to applying, it is required that you inform your manager of your desire to post for a new position.

Why choose us?

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join us for an exciting opportunity at Albertsons Companies, where innovation and customer service go hand-in-hand!

At Albertsons Companies, we are looking for someone who’s not just seeking a job, but someone who wants to make an impact. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and contribute to the growth of a company that values great service and lasting customer relationships. This position offers the chance to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that’s constantly evolving.

Building the future of food and well-being starts with you. Join our team and bring your best self to the table.

The Director Category Management & Product Development – Own Brands will lead category management and product development for strategic categories. Key focus areas will be category assortment, product quality, innovation, pricing and promotion. This role will ensure Own Brands strategies align with corporate goals across loyalty, penetration, sales & margin.

This position will be based in Pleasanton CA, or Boise, .

• Assortment Planning:
  Analyze market and consumer data to determine the optimal private label product mix, identifying gaps and opportunities for new product development and premiumization.
• Product Innovation:
  Identify customer and market opportunities to develop product concepts and launch new "Own Brand" items, overseeing the product lifecycle from ideation to exit strategies for underperforming items.
• Quality & Compliance:
  Ensure all private label products meet high quality, safety, and regulatory standards, working closely with quality assurance and legal teams to mitigate risk.

• Product Development:
  Manage the product development process from concept and R&D through testing, packaging design, commercialization and scale‑up, overseeing product formulation, packaging, naming, claims, certifications and positioning.
• Ensure Quality & Compliance:
  Establish and enforce quality assurance protocols and product standards, ensuring all items comply with relevant food safety, regulatory and ethical sourcing standards (e.g., Organic, Fair Trade, etc.).
• Drive Innovation:
  Foster a culture of creativity and innovation, leading the development of new product formulations and recipes that meet nutritional and culinary standards and resonate with customer needs.
• Packaging Structure:
  Lead packaging refreshes, design improvements and brand tier consistency aligned with our sustainability agenda.

• Vendor Negotiation:
  Support negotiations with suppliers and manufacturers to secure favorable terms, including pricing, quality standards and reliable supply, while building strong, strategic relationships.
• Supply Chain Optimization:
  Collaborate with sourcing, procurement and logistics to ensure cost‑effective operations, optimal inventory levels and business continuity.

• Market Analysis:
  Utilize deep data analytics, syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, Circana) and consumer insights to drive decision‑making and identify growth opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Alignment:
  Serve as a primary liaison, collaborating with national and division teams to ensure cohesive strategy execution across all channels (in‑store and e‑commerce).
• Reporting & Communication:
  Provide regular reports and presentations to leaders on category performance, market dynamics and recommendations.

• Lead and develop direct reports (Managers, Assistant Managers and Associates). Responsible for development plans and performance management for your team. Lead identification of organizational improvements – improving processes, programs, streamlining functions, department training needs and so on.

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Business Marketing, Economics or Finance.
• MBA Preferred.
• 8 plus years’ experience selling / influencing decision makers.
• 8 plus…