Category Leadership Manager, Ahold USA

Since 1869 we've connected people through food they love. We’re proud to be stewards of amazing brands that people trust. Our portfolio includes the iconic Campbell’s brand, as well as Michael Angelo’s, noosa, Pace, Pacific Foods, Prego, Rao’s Homemade, Swanson, and V8. In our Snacks division, we have brands like Cape Cod, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Pepperidge Farm, Snack Factory, and Snyder’s of Hanover. 

Here, you will make a difference every day. You will be supported to build a rewarding career with opportunities to grow, innovate and inspire. Make history with us.

Why Campbell’s…

• Benefits begin on day one and include medical, dental, short and long-term disability, AD&D, and life insurance (for individual, families, and domestic partners).
• Employees are eligible for our matching 401(k) plan and can enroll on the first day of employment with immediate vesting.
• Campbell’s offers unlimited sick time along with paid time off and holiday pay.
• If in WHQ – free access to the fitness center. Access to on-site day care (operated by Bright Horizons) and company store.
• Giving back to the community’s where our employees work and live is very important to Campbell’s. Our “Giving that Matters” program matches employee donations and/or volunteer activity up to $1,500 annually.
• Campbell’s has a variety of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support employees.

Category Leadership Manager - Ahold USA

General Summary
As a member of the Meals and Beverage team, Category Leadership Manager will support Ahold USA by analyzing point-of-sale and shopper data to identify category dynamics. Considering customer and Campbell’s strategies, the Category Leadership Manager - will translate those category dynamics into a cohesive category story and deliver that message to Ahold USA for consideration. You will be primarily responsible for delivering shelving and distribution recommendations as part of the annual planning cycle. You will work closely with the Associate Category Manager supporting the Delhaize business to develop category leadership strategy and execution plans for the full Ahold/Delhaize enterprise. The Category Leadership Manager will focus on the Meals and Beverage portfolio including soup & broth, pasta sauce, salsa, and shelf stable juice. Inclusive of brands like Pacific, Campbell’s Chunky, Swanson, V8, and Pace. You’ll work collaboratively with Shopper Insights, Customer Sales Leads, Headquarter Category Strategy and Sales Planning to achieve Campbell and customer objectives.
Primary Responsibilities
 

• Analyze sales data to identify trends impacting our categories, brands, and items.
• Develop shelving and distribution strategies to meet consumer needs & behaviors.
• Develop close, trust & acumen-based relationships with internal cross functional partners that support business objectives and enhance executional excellence. 
• Enhance Category Leadership Team skills elevation goals by sharing best practices and skills with peers and elevating your own skills through similar exchanges. 
• Become the trusted partner for Ahold USA to deliver category insights and shelving/distribution recommendations.
•  Responsible for developing customer specific presentations of relevant consumer insights, competitive responses, and new item/category selling strategies.
•  Manages Category specific customer calls - e.g. Category Reviews, Business Updates, New Item Presentations, and Planogram Work.
•  Works closely with Campbell’s Sales teams to provide analytical support for key strategy changes (i.e. List Price Increases, Annual Planning).
• Develop expertise in using Gateway data platform to accomplish annual goals & objectives.
• Be the senior category leadership leader for the full Ahold/Delhaize business, providing mentorship, coaching, and skills training to the Associate Category Manager, Delhaize. 
   

Complexity And Scope

•  Requires leadership and influencing skills, professionalism, executive presence and prioritization skills.
• Works with cross-functional groups including the customer, customer team, and World HQ resources.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED: Bachelor’s Degree
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 8+ years CPG/analytical experience

Strongly Preferred Experience

• Experience working for Ahold USA and/or with a CPG manufacturer calling on Ahold USA
• Prior Category Leadership / Category Management experience & Gateway proficiency

Education & Experience Preferred (not Required)
 

•  Strategic Insights (Kantar, Mintel)
•  Software/Technical Skills: Circana IRI, Circana Panel Data, JDA Space Planning, Gateway, Excel, Power point, Power BI
•  Category, Loyalty, & Shopper Knowledge
•  Strong Communication Skills (Listening & Expressing)
•  Problem Solving & Strong Analytical Ability with Excellent Attention to Detail
• Strong Critical Thinking Skills and ‘Story-Telling’
   

% OF TRAVEL REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION: ~20% travel required for customer, team, and internal meetings
LOCATION: This is a remote role based in the Ahold USA operating area (Northeast coastal corridor from Maryland to Massachusetts)
 

Compensation and Benefits:

The target base salary range for this full-time, salaried position is between 

Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. Total pay may include other forms of compensation. In addition, we offer competitive health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment. Please ask your Talent Acquisition Partner for more information about our total rewards package.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and qualified applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, including consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by law.