Associate Category Manager

divh2Product Development And Execution Manager/h2pResponsible for the development and execution of product, packaging, and category initiatives that support the strategic goals for Jimmy Johns U.S. This role leads market test readiness and launch execution, including go-to-market inputs, packaging and POP development, and cross-functional coordination across Culinary, Supply Chain, Operations and Marketing. Supports our beverage and catering initiatives, ensuring accurate and timely execution of product and packaging initiatives. With strong project management skills and attention to detail, this position supports the Category Management and Culinary vision by translating innovation strategies into effect in-market execution./ph3Responsibilities/h3pLead Market Test Execution

Launch Readiness/pulliDevelop culinary briefs and concept screeners for new products and packaging across LTOs, core menu, beverage and catering./liliLead coordination across cross-functional partners (Culinary, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing, Training, Tech) to support seamless test launches./liliOwn end-to-end execution of market tests for product and packaging initiatives, ensuring all elements are delivered accurately and on time./liliManage go-to-market inputs including timelines, launch materials, and execution checklists./liliDevelop and sell in business cases with product summaries and plans to internal and external teams./liliCollaborate with Category Management

Culinary for any new product or platform launches through seamless handoffs and sharing of insights./liliIdentify execution risks and proactively escalate issues to ensure successful delivery./li/ulpPOP, Packaging

Supplier Coordination/pulliLead development and execution of point-of-purchase (POP) and packaging materials for market tests and other initiatives./liliManage packaging and POP artwork requests, ensuring alignment with brand standards and timelines./liliCoordinate with internal cross functional teams to coordinate production, approvals, and delivery of packaging and POP materials./liliAttend and support photoshoots, ensuring product presentation is accurate and on-brand./li/ulpBeverage

Catering Execution/pulliSupport pipeline planning for beverage and catering products and packaging initiatives./liliLead coordination of updates, testing, and rollout activities within these categories./liliPartner cross functionally to support operational readiness and execution./liliEnsure consistency and accuracy across materials and in-market execution./li/ulpInnovation Support

Test Enablement/pulliSupport innovation pipeline through execution of tastings, test materials, and product validation efforts/liliAssist in preparation of materials for internal reviews, market tests, and cross-functional alignment/liliMaintain strong attention to detail across all deliverables to support high-quality execution/liliWork with Senior Director, Category Management

Culinary to identify whitespace and unlock brand growth./liliMonitor trends and insights to develop recommendations on prioritized area of focus/li/ulh3Education Qualifications/h3pMinimum: 4 yr degree in Marketing, Business, Culinary Arts or related field/ph3Experience Qualification/h3pMinimum: 2 +yrs working in Marketing, Brand Strategy, Category Management, Culinary Innovation or related expertise/ph3Required Knowledge, Skills or Abilities/h3ulliBusiness acumen, including understanding of market trends, consumers, competitors and PL fluency./liliExperience taking product ideas from ideation to execution./liliAbility to think strategically and creatively./liliAbility to collect and synthesize information, making it relevant, understandable, and actionable for key stakeholders./liliExcellent communication and presentation skills, especially the ability to explain difficult concepts in applicable business terms. Strong ability to summarize strategies into (PowerPoint) presentations in clear and understandable message./liliProject Management and strong ability to work with cross-functional teams./liliAbility to thrive in a fast-paced environment, multi-task, prioritize and be detail oriented./liliSelf-starter personality who can operate with some supervision./liliIdeal candidate has an inquisitive nature, a passion for learning and solving problems and a growth mindset./liliAbility to work closely with food products, including preparation and handling during tastings and testing, with an understanding that exposure to common food allergens may occur./li/ulpTravel Required/ppPeriodically, up to 25% of the time/p/div