Category Manager - Data and Insights

Aurora, IL/Remote • Full-time

The Category Manager serves as the strategic and analytical leader for the Garrett Popcorn Ready to Eat (RTE) business. This role uses the full category management process to drive distribution expansion, optimize existing assortment, strengthen merchandising execution, and enhance pricing and promotional performance. Acting as the internal expert on category trends, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics, the Category Manager partners closely with Sales, Marketing, and Retailer teams to deliver fact based insights and growth strategies that elevate Garrett’s presence across retail channels.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Insights

• Analyze syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, Spins, IRI), retailer POS, and shopper insights to identify trends, diagnose performance, and uncover growth opportunities.
• Develop category strategies that align with retailer priorities and Garrett’s business objectives.
• Build compelling, insight driven selling stories for customer meetings and line reviews.

Distribution & Assortment Optimization

• Identify new distribution opportunities across channels and customers.
• Evaluate current assortment using consumer demand, SKU productivity, and retailer strategy to recommend additions, deletions, and pack/size optimization.
• Lead assortment planning and support planogram development with fact based recommendations.

Merchandising Excellence

• Provide guidance on shelf placement, adjacencies, and in store merchandising best practices.
• Partner with Sales and Retailers to execute planograms and ensure compliance.
• Assess merchandising performance and recommend improvements to drive visibility and conversion.

Pricing & Promotion

• Analyze competitive pricing, price elasticity, and promotional ROI to guide pricing strategy.
• Develop promotional recommendations that balance retailer expectations with Garrett’s financial goals.
• Track promotional performance and refine strategies based on results.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to align category insights with business planning.
• Support innovation and product development with category and consumer insights.
• Serve as the category expert in customer meetings, internal strategy sessions, and annual planning.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Analytics, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in category management, trade marketing, or CPG analytics.
• Proficiency with syndicated data tools (Nielsen, IRI, SPINS) and retailer POS systems.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Experience supporting or leading category reviews with major retailers.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.

Preferred

• Experience in snacks, confectionery, or other fast moving consumer goods categories.
• Familiarity with 8451, Walmart Charter, and/or Meijer Vendor Net.
• Prior experience working with national retail accounts (e.g., Walmart, Target, Kroger, Costco).

Compensation

• The anticipated salary range for this position is $110,000 to $125,000. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a few factors, including your job-related knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance; Employer paid Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Employer paid life insurance and eligibility to participate in the company 401(k) plan with annual discretionary match. This position is eligible for the Garrett Hybrid and/or Remote Work Arrangement.
  
  

Applicants are welcome to email directly to [email protected]