Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

Job Description:Associate Category Manager, TargetMinneapolis, MinnesotaThe Associate Category Manager Position is responsible for providing support in managing category leadership solutions for Target for the Mars/Wrigley Confectionery businesses. This includes all non-seasonal Chocolate Candy, Non-Chocolate Candy, Gum, Mints, and Snacks. This role is expected to assist the Target Non-Seasonal Category Manager by mining data and insights that will support their key efforts and initiatives with Target. The preferred candidate would have strong analytical skills, a strong ability to utilize shopper insights, and develop a full understanding of our products, assortment, pricing, placement, shelving, promotion, and merchandising. As Target's Confectionery Pricing and Promotional Captain, the associate must be excellent at building and maintaining strong relationships, both externally as well as internally to be successful.What are we looking for?Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree1-3 years of experience in Sales, Category Management, or Shopper Insights within CPG and/or retail1 year of business analytics experienceExperience working with syndicated data software (i.e., IRI or Nielsen)Experience working with Microsoft Suite (Excel & PowerPoint)Strong written/verbal communication, presentation, and collaboration skillsAbility to manage cross functional projects, conflicting priorities, & meet deadlinesAbility to travel of 5% of the timePreferred Qualifications:Advanced Degree3 years of experience in Sales, Category Management, or Shopper InsightsExperience working in Assortment Planning or Space Management Software (i.e. Apollo, Intercept, etc.)Experience with promotional, non-promotional, & pricing strategy developmentKnowledge of Shopper Insights & StrategyExperience in project development and partnering with large strategic retail customersAdvanced data mining experience (shopper loyalty card & household panel data)What would be your key responsibilities?Collaborate with the Target Non-Seasonal Category Manager to embed new shopper insights into Targets growth strategy, delivery, and category vision, to strengthen confectionery category thought leadership for customer centricityMaintain and increase category influence through customer ownership and superior category insights for non-seasonal business by working collaboratively with external/internal partners to develop, communicate, and implement a Customer Penetration plan for Target Confectionery businessLead the efforts in improving the fact-based selling skills by providing category data and insights development across the category team with an emphasis on the integration of shopper analysis.Consolidate insights and best practices, and proactively share with the customer and Target Category TeamPlay a significant role in the Target promotional planning process including analysis, recommendations and trackingBe comfortable with, and utilize, best in class category tools and resources to uncover solid category insights. Tools include, but are not limited to the following: Nielsen, syndicated and panel database resources, POS data, space management software, Nielsen ASO Incrementality tool, market research findings, etc.Evaluate/ monitor all customer category leadership solutions, turn analysis into recommended action and continually improve to be more effective and efficient for category and TargetMust be able to confidently present to internal and external leadership business partners.What can you expect from Mars?Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.Join a purpose driven company, where we are striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.#LI-WC1#LI-HybridMars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will r ceive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.Equal Opportunity Employer - minorities/females/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity