Reporting directly to the Director, Category Management and Shopper Insights, the Category Manager is responsible for collaborating closely with internal Customer Sales Teams as well as external Retailer Partners to execute Lindt business plans and Marketing priorities. The Category Manager will proactively provide fact-based, market-relevant insights and solutions to drive strategic category growth with our Retailer partners. This position requires a proactive, data-driven approach to category management, fostering growth for both Lindt and its Retailer partners.
Responsibilities:
As a broader member of the Customer Sales Team, this individual will be engaged in establishing and maintaining excellent working relationships with key Retailer contacts (Category Managers, Directors & Strategic Merchandising Teams), where they will be viewed as a category expert, and will be integral to setting the course to deliver the overall business objectives.
Lead and present category reviews, providing strategies for assortment, pricing, promotion, and shelving. Present annual Customer plans to Retailer Partners for both Everyday Chocolate as well as the three key seasons.
Throughout the year, collaborate with internal Customer Sales Teams and Retailer’s Category Managers to address performance gaps and develop retailer-specific solutions.
Analyzing multiple data sources of shopper and consumer data (Nielsen, POS/AA: LDIA, Circana, Dunnhumby, Retail Link, etc.) to evaluate the performance of the Total Chocolate Category, understanding what elements of the marketing mix (pricing, promotion, assortment, shelving, competition) are driving results, with a perspective provided as to what is working well in the market and represents opportunities for the Customer Sales Team/Retailer
Develop compelling insights into powerful stories with clear messaging to all stakeholders
Complete and communicate post-event analyses on key selling initiatives and trends. Develop and maintain standardized reporting on customer metrics, providing insights into performance opportunities
Lead and educate/train the sales team on higher level category management principles (analytics training, shopper research, etc.)
Develop Gold Standard Planograms and support the generation of Lindt Master Guidelines
Share global best practices or pertinent category trends with Retailer’s Category Managers to impact category performance
Collaborate with internal Sales teams and leadership for support to help achieve annual NTS, GP and Market Share Targets. Expert knowledge of total Lindt Portfolio (including NTS and Gross Profit %) needed to make solid recommendations.
Support Top-to-Top and JBP meetings to help achieve annual goals.
Active member of Annual Strategic Plan quantifying future opportunities in innovation, distribution, display and other areas.
Requirements:
A university degree and 7+ years’ experience in Category Management (CPG industry)
Expert knowledge of Nielsen tools/platforms and POS/AA systems (LDIA, Circana, Dunnhumby, Retail Link, etc.)
Very strong analytical background with proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint
A self-starter with an ability to work independently and as a team member
Strong organization skills and proven ability to manage several projects at one time
Good communication and story-telling skills; oral and written (this role will work internally and externally)
Why Lindt Canada? Join our winning culture and become part of our team of passionate and dynamic individuals in our journey to become the leader in the Canadian chocolate market. Our environment characterizes personal commitment, drive, initiative and entrepreneurial spirit, working together as one team to reach outstanding results. We encourage, recognize and reward innovation, personal initiative, leadership and accountability throughout the organization. We are recognized as a Great Place to Work so come and grow your career with us, it’s a pretty sweet deal. To learn more about our winning culture, visit https://careers.lindtcanada.ca and or follow us on LinkedIn.
Lindt & Sprüngli is recognized as a leader in the market for premium quality chocolate, offering a large selection of products in more than 120 countries around the world. During more than 170 years of Lindt & Sprüngli's existence, it has become known as one of the most innovative and creative companies making premium chocolate, with 12 production sites in Europe and the USA, and distribution and sales companies on four continents.
We thank all those who have applied however, only selected candidates will be contacted. Lindt is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request. Please contact our Human Resources department for more information.
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