Senior Category Manager

Job Description
Senior Category Manager responsible for leading category strategy, shopper insights, and analytics across both traditional retail and digital commerce channels to drive category growth, strengthen customer partnerships, and support the company’s commercial objectives.

Position based in Franklin, TN with regular in‑office collaboration expected. Flexibility is a key enabler – allowing occasional remote work.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Insights

Develop and execute category management strategies that drive growth for both the company and retail customers across traditional and digital commerce channels

Analyze consumer, shopper, market, and competitive trends to identify category opportunities and risks

Deliver actionable recommendations related to assortment, shelving, merchandising, pricing, promotion, and category optimization

Lead category reviews, line reviews, and strategic business presentations for internal stakeholders and retail customers

Support innovation launches through category analysis, whitespace identification, and post‑launch performance tracking

Digital Category Management & eCommerce

Partner with eCommerce and digital commerce teams to optimize digital shelf performance, search visibility, content effectiveness, and online assortment strategies

Analyze online shopper behavior, digital conversion metrics, search trends, and retailer‑specific eCommerce performance data

Develop recommendations to improve online discoverability, conversion, ratings & reviews, and omnichannel shopper engagement

Support retailer media and digital merchandising initiatives to enhance category growth and brand visibility

Monitor emerging eCommerce and omnichannel retail trends to identify new growth opportunities

Data Analytics & Business Planning

Utilize syndicated data sources and retailer analytics platforms to generate insights and business recommendations

Build and maintain reporting tools, dashboards, scorecards, and performance analyses to support decision‑making

Translate complex data into clear, concise business recommendations for both technical and non‑technical audiences

Support annual business planning, joint business planning (JBP), and strategic customer planning processes

Measure effectiveness of promotional programs, assortment changes, and merchandising initiatives

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, Revenue Growth Management, Consumer Insights, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to support commercial objectives

Collaborate with customer teams to develop fact‑based selling stories and customer‑specific growth strategies

Support field sales and customer teams with insights, presentations, and category expertise

Influence cross‑functional stakeholders through strong analytical storytelling and strategic recommendations

Thought Leadership & Capability Building

Serve as a category expert and trusted advisor within the organization and with retail customers

Drive continuous improvement in category management processes, reporting capabilities, and analytical tools

Mentor and support development of junior category management team members as applicable

Stay current on category management best practices, retail trends, shopper behavior, and digital commerce evolution

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; business, marketing, analytics, economics, or related field preferred

5–10 years of experience in Category Management, Shopper Insights, Sales Strategy, or related CPG commercial functions

Experience supporting major retail customers and omnichannel/eCommerce environments

Strong understanding of consumer‑packaged goods industry dynamics and retail execution

Demonstrated experience utilizing syndicated data and retailer analytics platforms

Advanced analytical, presentation, and communication skills

Experience with data visualization and reporting tools such as Power BI or Tableau preferred

Ability to manage multiple priorities and influence cross‑functional stakeholders in a matrixed organization

Strong collaboration, problem‑solving, and strategic thinking capabilities

Strong financial acumen, negotiation skills, and strategic planning capabilities

Proven ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders and lead within matrixed organizations

Excellent communication, executive presentation, and relationship management skills

Benefits

Work with diverse and talented associates guided by the Five Principles

Purpose‑driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today

Strong focus on learning and development, including access to our in‑house Mars University

Competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus

Multiple openings are available across categories including Dry Dog, Wet Dog, Cat, and Care & Treats.

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