Category Leadership Manager, C-Store at Ferrara Pan Candy Co., Inc. in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Job Location: Chicago





Want to make an impact?



The Category Leadership Manager will establish and own the relationship with the assigned customers for all category management activities. Collaborating closely with the internal and field teams, the position is responsible for developing critical insights and solutions, including strategic and tactical category action plans, to address complex business opportunities. This requires triangulation of various data sets, leveraging analytical tools, and delivering succinct layered storytelling to transform category & shopper insights into impactful retailer activations.




Ways you will make a difference

• Synthesize multiple data sources (e.g., Syndicated data, retailer POS/loyalty gateways, 3P insights platforms) to drive category insights and/or address business trends.
• Leverage customer and market data to deliver fact-based assortment and shelving recommendations to customers.
• Provide leadership to the cross-functional customer team to identify opportunities and develop category solutions.
• Prepare and present compelling shopper and category stories to influence customer category activations.
• Cultivate and manage relationship with category buyer(s)
• Leverage JDA to build and optimize confection planograms, maximizing sales utilizing merchandising guidelines and multiple data sources

Skills that will make you successful



The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Analytical
• Collaborative/Team Oriented
• Organized with strong planning skills
• High tolerance for ambiguity
• Business Acumen
• Innovative, agile, and creative
• Action-oriented
• Ownership mindset; Entrepreneurial by nature

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor's Degree
• 4-6 years of experience in commercial functions in consumer goods, preferably in confections or other high velocity impulse categories (FMCG); with 2+ years specifically in Category Management
• Demonstrated success in developing, implementing, and executing category management activities
• Knowledge/experience with POG tools a plus (JDA, etc.)
• Strong project management abilities. Capable of prioritizing and handling multiple projects simultaneously under tight time constraints and within budget parameters
• Solid knowledge of syndicated data sources (e.g. Circana, Nielsen, Mintel, Numerator, Kantar, Retailer Loyalty platforms, etc.)
• High proficiency in MS Excel, MS PowerPoint
• Up to 50% travel required

What We Offer



At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO).

Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance.

Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR




Compensation



The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $153,000. Apply Now