Summary:

As the Category Associate, you will be supporting a Category Manager to collaborate with our Suppliers, brokers, and sales team to build our product assortment to drive category growth and sales. You will work closely with our internal and external relationships and execute the day-to-day responsibilities in the department, including new supplier onboarding, new item setup, managing promotional submissions, and developing effective and insightful category review presentations. You will champion outstanding working relationships with suppliers, brokers, and work cross-functionally within the company to support and develop our business. You will contribute category support for internal processes and complete customer category reviews by utilizing category analysis, brand presentations and insights and other available analytic tools. You will be a valued member of our Category Management team that is highly engaged in delivering on our strategy to be a Trusted Expert and valuable partner to drive excitement and growth in Specialty Foods.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build effective and engaging relationships with our suppliers, brokers, and internal team to drive category growth and sales.
• Ensure all day-to-day responsibilities of the department operate smoothly – including accurate and timely execution of product and promotional submissions, supporting retailer category reviews with effective insights, and building effective promotional programs.
• Work closely with both internal and external partners to champion and build outstanding working relationships through organized, clear communication and follow-up.
• Support quarterly programs, deals, and communications for assigned categories, providing support to key suppliers, supporting development of assortment and promotional plans, and working to ensure alignment with both Chex and supplier partner brand objectives.
• Ensure that new Items are accurately launched in conjunction with Chex workflow. Manage item maintenance ensuring accuracy with product information, pack or price changes, new item set up, monthly/quarterly promotions.
• Support assigned categories using all available resources, including analysis of both internal and syndicated data, (validated) manufacturer input and expertise, trade/industry news, consumer trends and customer feedback. Measures results, presents insights and recommendations for adjustments as needed.
• Work with category manager to manage SKU assortment to maximize sales while controlling cost of carrying inventory, shrink, and spoilage in assigned categories.

Who are you?

• You are curious, resourceful and bring “passion” to selling our programs to key customers; developing solutions and approaches that exceed expectations.
• You are highly organized and have a strong attention to detail and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• You can review and analyze data to interpret internal and external trends to effectively integrate into fact-based stories to drive category solutions.
• You are a collaborator, establishing key partnerships that thrive on mutual trust and integrity in working relationships.
• You are a continuous improver, seeking creative solutions for opportunities to be better every day.

Skills / Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 2 years of consumer product sales or category management experience, or other relevant sales/marketing experience
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint is required.
• Excellent Analytical skills that create actionable insights driving business results.
• Demonstrated collaboration skills within an organization and with external business partners.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills.
• Willing to take risks and adapt to change in an evolving marketplace.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Mansfield, MA 02048