Job Description
Overview: The Category Manager - Central Division will serve as an analytic expert using the category business process as a decision platform for all category initiatives designed to optimize distribution, shelving, price and promotional mix for Wrigley brands. Provide "best in class" category management assistance and fact-based selling to help meet and exceed volume, market share and PFO objectives.
The key role of this position is to analyze consumer information and data (AC Nielsen) with assistance from the Senior Customer Development Manager and National Category Development Team and utilize industry best practices to develop fact-based consumer presentations and recommendations for Key Accounts/Retail customers in the Central Division.
Responsibilities: ? Detect opportunities for sales growth by compiling market/account data and consumer behavior analysis. Use this information to create an action plan and sales presentation to help close the opportunity gaps, optimize the category by filling the specific consumer needs and increase unit sales, dollar sales and dollar profits. ? Compile Customer Presentations based on fact based data. Studies and analysis that are directed by the incumbent may include, but are not limited to, the use of syndicated data analysis, household panel analysis, user purchase studies, pricing studies, market basket analysis, etc. Support, Attend and Present at Strategic Customer Meetings. ? Responsible for analyzing sku rationalization, assortment opportunities and providing recommendations based on consumer driven strategies to support the Central Division. Responsible for analyzing any pricing and promotion initiatives in the confections category that will further grow the category within the Strategic Central Division Customers. ? Responsible for measuring, monitoring and scorecarding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) relating to improvements in distribution, merchandising, pricing and promotional mix that drive category growth. ? Support the division sales force by generating and conducting ongoing Category Management Training Sessions, as well as, developing Sales Tools, Selling Stories and Fact Based Presentations that division Account Managers, Region Managers and Territory Sales Managers can utilize in closing opportunity gaps. ? Maintain strong customer relations with management in the Strategic Central Division Accounts to enhance credibility, maintain and gain category captaincy and maintain open communications leading to long term relationships that will promote business growth. ? Work with the National Category Development Team in the development of the consumer decision tree describing how consumers select Wrigley products and share this and other related Category Management information with the Central Division Team members for account execution purposes. ? Manage, train, develop and coach Central Division Category Management Team including three Category Development Analysts and one Space Management Coordinator. ? Perform additional projects or special assignments as requested.
Requirements: This position requires account sales exposure, advanced analytical experience, an understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research and strategy, a knowledge of current consumer product sales industry trends, a complete understanding of the category management processes, advanced AC Nielsen or IRI skills, exceptional written, oral communication and presentation skills, and advanced Microsoft Office Skills. Additional requirements include managing and developing teams, ability to manage cross functional/multi task projects simultaneously, strong strategic problem solving skills and the ability to prioritize work to meet deadlines are essential to be successful in this role. Must have three to five years demonstrative experience in category management. Some travel required.
B.S. in Business, MBA preferred, but not necessary.
To Apply: Please visit http://www.wrigley.com, select the Careers Tab, and click on Career Search – U.S. Search Job Number 3425.
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