Director of Category Management

LaSalle Network has partnered with a dynamic and innovative Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) company dedicated to delivering high-quality products to consumers. Located in the vibrant Northwest Chicago suburbs, they pride themselves on their commitment to excellence, creativity and customer satisfaction. As they continue to expand their operations, they are seeking a visionary Director of Category Management to spearhead the establishment of their category management department from the ground up.

This Director of Category Management will lead the development and implementation of this CPG organization’s category management strategies. In this role, you will have the unique opportunity to build out the category management function from scratch, defining processes, establishing best practices and driving initiatives to optimize category performance. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends and retail dynamics, coupled with strong leadership skills and a proven track record of success in category management within the CPG industry.

Director of Category Management Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the framework for the category management department, including organizational structure, roles and responsibilities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop category strategies aligned with business objectives, market trends and consumer insights
• Lead efforts to analyze and optimize product assortments based on category performance, consumer preferences and competitive landscape
• Utilize shopper insights and data analytics to identify growth opportunities, drive category growth and enhance the overall shopping experience
• Develop and execute promotional strategies to drive category sales, increase market share and enhance brand visibility
• Build strong relationships with vendors and partners to negotiate favorable terms, secure promotional support and drive mutual growth initiatives
• Implement metrics and KPIs to monitor category performance, track progress against goals and identify areas for improvement
• Collaborate closely with sales, marketing and product development teams to align category strategies with overall business objectives and ensure seamless execution
• Recruit, train and mentor a high-performing category management team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous learning
  
  

Director of Category Management Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing or related field; MBA preferred
• 8+ years of experience in category management within the CPG industry, with a track record of progressively increasing responsibilities
• Proven experience in building and leading category management teams
• Deep understanding of category management principles, shopper insights and retail analytics
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and data analytics tools
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and drive results with a sense of urgency
  
  

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for driving category growth and have the leadership skills to build and lead a high-performing team, we encourage you to apply for this Director of Category Management position!

Thank you,

Lizzy Bann

Principal, Marketing Recruiting

LaSalle Network

LaSalle Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer m/f/d/v.

LaSalle Network is the leading provider of direct hire and temporary staffing services. For over two decades, LaSalle has helped organizations hire faster and connect top talent with opportunities, from entry-level positions to the C-suite. With units specializing in Accounting and Finance, Administrative, Marketing, Technology, Supply chain, Healthcare Revenue Cycle, Call Center, Human Resources and Executive Search. LaSalle offers staffing and recruiting solutions to companies of all sizes and across all industries. LaSalle Network is the premier staffing and recruiting firm, earning over 100 culture, revenue and industry-based awards from major publications and having its company experts regularly contribute insights on retention strategies, hiring trends and hiring challenges, and more to national news outlets.