Category Analyst

The category analyst will work directly with the Account Manager and the customer’s buying team, providing sales support via category reviews, assortment recommendations, business strategy recommendations, and regular market trend reporting.  The analyst is responsible for delivering impactful summaries that highlight opportunities for growth for the customer’s category and company sales.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The category analyst will develop category opportunity plans for key customers with knowledge of syndicated data including IRI and Spectra.  They will ensure data integrity and develop standardized templates for ongoing market/consumer updates. He/she will team with the Sales Account Executives in the annual sales/marketing planning process. The candidate is responsible to monitor category trends, track competitive activity, discover opportunity gaps and review best pricing/promotional strategies. He/she will also be key in creating and maintaining plan-o-grams for key customers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare category reviews for key customers – Albertsons/Safeway Portland & Seattle divisions
• Key account tasks – POG/assortment, pricing/promotional strategy
• Correspond/communicate with customers and internal sales staff
• Assist sales departmental members as necessary
• All other related duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES

• Self starter and driven to deliver strong results
• Skillfully persuades others to support important initiatives and acts in the best interests of the company
• Communicates a deep understanding of the business to our customers and upper management
• Continuously evaluates customer’s best interests and develops solutions that exceed expectations
• Anticipates business opportunities and challenges and drives long-term strategies while maintaining a focus on shorter-term objectives
• Works collaboratively and effectively with colleagues across multiple departments throughout the company

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS Degree required and at least 2-4 years of past successful sales experience or related analysis job experience
• Military experience welcomed
• STRONG Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Expert level Excel with pivot tables and V Look Up.
• Strong organized data analysis skills with ability to interpret and communicate market and category trends
• Strong PowerPoint editing skills
• Knowledge in IRI/Nielsen and Spectra syndicated data tools
• CPG industry experience strongly preferred
• Direct customer presentation experience preferred
• Ability to access and utilize internal databases and in-house sales software
• Proven success managing multiple objectives and priorities in a fast paced environment
• Ability to apply sound business principles and practices to projects
• Strong communication, priority setting, and time management skills
• Attention to detail a must
• JDA plan-o-gram experience a plus
• Flexible working schedule and ability to travel up to 30-35%