Senior Category Analyst

Who We Are

At C.A. Carlin, we take brands to new heights. We are one of the leading privately held sales agencies in the industry. Thanks to nimble growth and associations with our operating partners, C.A. Fortune and C.A. Ferolie, we have built brand value that is unlike any other in the CPG industry.

What We Do

Since our start in 1962, we have built industry relationships on the foundation of trust and action. We turn information into insight. We convert insight into programs. We drive programs that consistently deliver results to our clients, on their timeline.

We have more than 300 associates and multiple offices throughout the country. We represent top brands in many categories such as confection, snack, grocery, beverage, frozen, dairy etc. 

Overview of the Role 

• The Senior Category Analyst will champion the development and maintenance of the Go-To-Market analytics designed to support, track, and grow core and new product initiatives for all sales channels.  The position will populate value-added and actionable selling tools, incorporating customer learning and strategic brand insights that will allow sales (business manager) to achieve volume and profit objectives. This position will act as the regional market lead for sales category management support by providing the tracking analysis on the key metrics of pricing, distribution, displays, and shelf placement, along with other key activities. 
• Location: Schaumburg, IL will observe a hybrid schedule 3 days in office
• Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 based on experience, qualifications and skills.
• Travel Requirements: 10-20% to present to clients. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Gather a deep understanding of all your clients as you develop a consultative approach to analyze, make recommendations, and collaborate with clients and stakeholders  
• Prepare and integrate multiple data sources for a comprehensive analysis, ensuring sound data hygiene practices and consistency.  
• Become an expert in all analytical tools and assets relating to your retail clients and think innovatively about how to meet the evolving corporate client needs, leveraging the most comprehensive tools and resources available  
• Implement category management strategy aligned with the gold standard merchandising vision.  
• Monitor current industry trends and emerging business issues to stay up to date on the current market landscape  
• Develop and deliver category reviews and business analyses into client facing sales stories to drive growth  
• Build strong partnerships with business development teams to serve clients through compilation of forecasts and event-based planning, inclusive of individual customer goals  
• Maintain communication with your peers within the company to develop a seamless approach across all shared clients   

What You Should Bring to the Table 

• Bachelor’s Degree and 3+ years CPG industry sales organization experience, preferably in a sales/analytical capacity  
• Proficiency with volume analysis and tracking  
• Experience in coordinating new item launches  
• Experience using syndicated data and category management principals  
• Well-honed analytical skills with strong organizational, communication, and time management skills  
• Knowledge of the marketing process from product development to in-store purchases  
• Experience in data visualization platforms (e.g., spotfire, PowerBI) with the ability to understand the data and proof resulting visualizations from raw data reports 
• Strong computer skills and experience with Excel, Powerpoint, and Word programs 

You Will Stand Out If

• UNFI experience
• Extensive Nielsen experience
• Experience presenting to retailers 

Perks

• PTO & Sick Days
• 11 paid company holidays per year
• 1 Floating Holiday
• 2 paid volunteer days per year
• 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender)
• Medical, dental, and vision
• Paid company life insurance
• 401k with company match
• Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day)
• Work from home flexibility

Come As You Are

C.A. is committed to making our company more inclusive. Diversity fuels our innovation and better connects us to our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. Based on research, we know that women and other marginalized groups tend to apply to roles only when their experience perfectly matches the job description. That said, we encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of qualifications, especially if this role aligns with your career trajectory.