Manager, Category Management & Shopper Insights

Manager, Category Management & Shopper Insights

Sales Enablement   •   Chicago (Hybrid) •   Full-Time   •  $100,000 - $125,000

The Real Good Story

Real Good Foods started with a pretty simple idea: food should taste great and be made better. Today, we’re building something bigger around that belief—challenging the status quo with real ingredients, more protein, fewer carbs, and food people genuinely crave. Through it all, we keep it real: real food, real ingredients, and really good taste. Because eating well shouldn’t be complicated. It should be Real Good.

As a Real Good Manager of Category Management and Shopper Insights you will turn shopper, category, and retailer data into compelling, insight-driven stories that grow Real Good Foods' presence at retail. This role owns category strategy development, syndicated data analysis, and product content accuracy, and serves as a trusted category voice in retailer conversations. The ideal candidate is analytically strong, comfortable with syndicated data platforms, and skilled at translating numbers into a clear, persuasive narrative for buyers and internal stakeholders.

On Your Plate

—     Develop category strategies and selling stories that translate shopper behavior, market trends, and retailer priorities into actionable growth opportunities.

—     Analyze syndicated data (Nielsen, IRI/Circana), panel data, and retailer POS to identify category trends, whitespace, and assortment opportunities.

—     Build category reviews, line-review decks, and Joint Business Planning (JBP) materials that support Sales in retailer negotiations.

—     Translate shopper and retailer data into clear recommendations on assortment, pricing, placement, and merchandising.

—     Own product content syndication through Syndigo, including packaging, images, claims, copy, and retailer.com updates.

—     Coordinate consumer and shopper research related to portfolio, packaging, and new-item initiatives, and translate findings into selling narratives.

—     Track category and item-level performance (share, distribution, velocity) and report results to Sales and Marketing leadership.

—     Partner with Sales, Marketing, and retail buyers to build category growth platforms and identify new-item opportunities.

—     Support new-item launches with category rationale, sizing, and retailer-ready selling stories.

—     Partner cross-functionally to drive business results and execute against company priorities.

—     Identify opportunities to improve processes, solve problems, and create real good outcomes.

Recipe for Success

—     Category and shopper insights are embedded in every major retailer pitch and line review.

—     Category share, distribution, and velocity trend positively across key accounts.

—     Product content on retailer.com and syndication platforms is accurate, complete, and current.

—     Sales teams have clear, data-backed selling stories ahead of buyer meetings.

—     Consumer and shopper research findings are translated into decisions, not just reports

—     Bring a proactive, ownership mindset to your work and help move projects forward

—     Contribute to a collaborative, high-accountability team culture

What You Bring to the Table

—     3+ years of experience in category management, shopper insights, consumer insights, or a related analytical function, ideally in CPG or food.

—     Hands-on experience with syndicated data platforms such as Nielsen, IRI/Circana, or comparable tools.

—     Advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills, with experience building dashboards, trackers, and insight decks.

—     Strong storytelling and presentation skills, with the ability to turn data into a clear narrative for buyers and internal leaders.

—     Experience supporting retailer line reviews, JBPs, or top-to-top meetings.

—     Excellent written communication, organization, and attention to detail.

—     Ability to work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance.

—     CPG, food, or high-growth consumer-brand experience.

—     Experience with Syndigo or other product information and retailer content syndication platforms.

—     Experience with major retail accounts (grocery, mass, club, or natural/specialty channels).

—     Experience working in high-growth or entrepreneurial environments.

—     Demonstrated ability to drive results through collaboration and influence

Why Our Employees Are Full

Because work should feel good, too.

At Real Good Foods, employees can make an impact at a company that's redefining what's possible in frozen food. We're building a brand that helps people eat better without sacrificing the foods they love, and we know that starts with great people.

Upon joining Real Good Foods, you'll find:

—     A mission-driven company focused on improving lives through better nutrition

—     A culture that values ownership, action, and fresh thinking

—     Real growth and the chance to help shape the future of a category-leading brand

—     Competitive compensation and benefits

—     Paid time off, company holidays, and work-life balance initiatives

Equal Opportunity Employer

Real Good Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions, including final compensation package, are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Like any good recipe, this job description includes the key ingredients, but it may not capture every responsibility, duty, qualification, or opportunity that comes with the role. As Real Good Foods continues to evolve, new challenges are added to the menu. If you meet many, but not every, qualification and are excited about making an impact, we encourage you to apply.

READY TO JOIN THE Real Good MOVEMENT?

Apply today or reach out with resume to [email protected]