Associate Category Manager

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Purpose of Job:

The Associate Category Manager supports the category management team and portfolio strategy through data analysis, reporting, presentation development, and execution of category & customer initiatives. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate point-of-sale (POS) data, developing and managing Plan-O-Grams, and creating clear, compelling insight presentations that support business, customer, and segment strategies.

Job Components:

Data Management

• Update, maintain, and validate Point-of-Sale (POS) data, shipment data, space planning product libraries, competitive price shops etc.
• Identify data discrepancies and work to ensure information is accurate and up to date.
• Organize and prepare data for analysis and business reviews.

Plan-O-Gram Management (BlueYonder)

• Create Plan-O-Grams based on category, customer, and business requirements.
• Update and manage existing Plan-O-Grams to reflect assortment, space, and portfolio changes.
• Ensure Plan-O-Grams are accurate, visually clear, and aligned with customer and category strategies.
• Partner with internal teams to incorporate changes and meet deadlines.

Presentation & Insight Development

• Create and update professional PowerPoint presentations for business reviews, line reviews, and leadership discussions.
• Develop and maintain Insight Slides that highlight key trends, key findings, opportunities, and recommendations based on the ‘Ah Ha’s’.
• Create and update SME Segment Decks to support segment strategy and business planning.
• Translate data and analysis into clear, concise, and visually compelling stories.

Category Management Support

• Support Category Managers with analysis, reporting, presentations, and special projects.
• Assist with identifying category trends, opportunities, and areas of improvement.
• Help develop materials that support portfolio strategy and customer discussions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to gather information and complete projects.

Project & Priority Management

• Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to pivot quickly when business priorities change.
• Take ownership of assigned projects and follow them through to completion.
• Proactively communicate status, challenges, and changes in priorities.

Growth Opportunities

• Work with National Account Managers and participate in customer meetings, develop and present recommendations, and take on increasing account and category responsibility as experience grows

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Analytics, Supply Chain, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years in category management, sales, marketing, business analytics, merchandising, product management or a related field
• Experience creating Plan-O-Grams or working with assortment/space planning
• Experience with Think-Cell or similar data visualization/presentation tools (a plus)
• Effective communicator (oral and written)
• Strong strategic and analytical thinker
• Prior experience with Nielsen, Circana, Retail Link, etc. (a plus)
• Proven ability to work with and interpret multiple data sources turning it into actionable insights
• Proven track record of collaborating and working with a cross-functional team
• Strong problem solver with the ability to think outside the box
• Able to work independently with proper levels of prioritization and follow through

• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy Must be proficient in Plan-O-Gram software
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel
• Think-Cell experience is a plus
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Flexible and adaptable with the ability to quickly respond to changing priorities under moderate supervision

Scope Data:

• Support key national customers in unit sales annually
• Interactions with internal management team and external customer's management team
• Exemplify Interstate’s Purpose and Values.

Work Environment:

• Ability to use a computer for prolonged periods of time.     
• Ability to sustain posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time.      
• Regularly required to use hands to grasp or handle and talk and hear.      
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  
• Travel 10% of the time.

Note: We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.

Interstate Batteries provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Interstate Batteries complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Interstate Batteries expressly prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental and physical), marital status, military status, veteran status, citizenship or any other characteristic protected under applicable local, state or federal law.