Sr. Director, Category Management

Sr. Director, Category Management

Sr. Director, Category Management

Location: Chicago, IL

Our client is a rapidly growing $2B global personal care and cosmetics company. This is an exciting time at the company as they are 4 years into a metamorphosis that has already resulted in the company having double in top line sales in the that period of time. The bottom line had also proportionately moved. Aggressive organic and inorganic global growth is expected to continue and the organization storied brands are being invested in to realize their projected potential of at least another 2 times current sales.

The Sr. Director, Category Management we seek will provide strategic leadership and direction to drive the companied brands sales and profits, with an emphasis on leading the relationships with the internal and external business partners for all US Region customers.  The primary focus of this position is to lead the Category Management Process that develops a fact based approach of business analytics which includes evaluation of promotion effectiveness, brand & category trends, Nielsen & IRI analysis, customer POS, trade marketing analysis and translates the analysis into key insights and recommendations for the company and the customer. Responsible for identifying short and long range growth opportunities based on in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, marketplace dynamics, and the company and customer strategies.

Develop and review sales forecasting then translate the customer, consumer, category and product level data into actionable tactics, making recommendations on product assortment, product placement, and promotions accordingly in order to enhance sales.  The position will build upon the relationship with the US Region retailer’s buyers, positioning the company as a go to partner for category knowledge and insights.  Position will manage a team to implement all aspects of category management for the company's business with US Region customers.

•   Lead development and presentation to customer buyers, and Divisional Vice Presidents, of periodic business reviews, category overview and line review.

•   Manage two Sr. Business Analysts, Manager-REMs and Manager-BAs (overall team of 24 professionals).

•   Lead the space management team to ensure modular execution dates are achieved, both internally and with the customer.

•   Manages the Permanent Cabinetry and Space Management P&L for the Business Unit.

•   Lead the development of the annual business forecast process by analyzing trend data on base products and assigning appropriate forecast for new products

•   Perform comprehensive analysis and interpretation of category performance and provide qualitative and quantitative assessments to sales team.  Keep customer team informed on the status of plans vs. goals; changing conditions, attitudes and requirements in the marketplace; competitive activity; and issues and/or accomplishments that might affect sales results. Responsible for developing and presenting fact based business analytics for our customer/team including promotion evaluation for effectiveness and efficiency, Nielsen analysis, brand trends, marketing plans, analysis/objectives, customer POS analysis. 

• Provide value-added analysis, opportunity identification and interpretation of sales results for the customer through weekly reporting to both the companies and Customer business leaders.

• Create Market Basket, Seasonality and Opportunity Gap Analysis and Summarization. Prepare analysis for ad-hoc requests by sales and marketing.

• Provide leadership for team to ensure category knowledge, expertise, and skills are at the highest level in order to take full advantage of all sales opportunities.

o Provide strategic and tactical direction so direct reports are working toward a common agreed to plan

o Provide direction in annual objective setting, ongoing and formal performance feedback and development plans for team

o As needed, participate in interviewing and training of new hires/staff

o Collaborate with US Region leadership and Human Resources to develop the organization’s capacity

• Continuously questioning data, asking deep dive questions and pursuing answers that might not be readily apparent.

• Proactively assess trends, analyze data and identify key customer opportunities to help build Customer Business Plan.

• Utilize internal sales data, syndicated data and customer-specific POS to develop actionable insights, strategies and tactics.

• Work with Marketing for new item distribution proposals and programs by supporting expenditure with volume, profit and payout analysis.

• Attend customer meetings to provide fact based support to VP’s and Directors/CBMs of Sales.

• Perform special projects as needed.

This position requires an understanding of syndicated and consumer data, market research and strategy, industry trend application and knowledge, planogram development and optimization, and a complete understanding of the category management process.  Experience required in customer POS systems, Shiloh technologies, ACNielsen, Data Analyzer, dunnhumby Consumer Data , retailer loyalty database knowledge, and  Space Planning software.  Position additionally requires advanced Microsoft Office experience, specifically Excel and Power Point. 

•             Bachelor’s Degree

•             Minimum 7-10 years CPG Category Management experience and understanding of broader sales            functions related to the operations.

•             Minimum of 5 years management experience

•             Proven forecasting experience with Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and/or Target

•             Must be able to take initiative in working in a flexible, fast-paced team environment.

•             Ability to interact with and present to all levels of Management.

•             Agility in determining and managing priorities is critical.

•             Creative and detail-oriented in ambiguous situations is a MUST.

•             High energy and self-motivation are needed.

•             Must have strong communication (written and verbal), organizational and analytical skills.

•             Knowledge of PC tools including spreadsheets, graphics and communications.

•             Advanced Excel (including pivot tables, macros, and V lookup), PowerPoint, Space Planning, Nielsen and retailer POS systems are necessary. 

•             Detail Oriented and execution driven focus.

•             Strong team and interpersonal skills necessary.

Please feel free to contact us with your recommendations. Referrals are appreciated. Please send your resume to research@huntsearch.com for consideration.