ABOUT MPG

Market Performance Group (MPG) is a leading end-to-end, strategy & services omnichannel commerce agency focused on creating the best PATH FORWARD — from market strategy to in-market reality — for today’s fastest-growing consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers. Over the years, we’ve built a strong reputation as a trusted partner and valuable resource to a broad range of companies, from Fortune 500 to Private Equity, in categories that include health & wellness, food & beverage, home and hardlines. We revel in the opportunity to guide our clients on their path forward, building and activating strategies that ensure success. Everything we do is driven by our unrelenting commitment to leverage our deep operational experience, unparalleled omnichannel expertise, and industry relationships to drive performance in today’s dynamic omnichannel marketplace.

At MPG, we value our people and their contributions; they are critical to building the MPG Brand. Our leadership team has significant experience driving topline revenue and bottom-line profit, having held senior operating roles at leading CPG manufacturers and retailers. Our highly regarded, seasoned team of 400 strategy and commercialization professionals brings strong operational experience and a collaborative approach. All team members are singularly focused on providing clients with pragmatic, real-world market approaches, built on the strong consumer, category and marketplace insights needed to create sustainable, profitable brand growth.

The Creative Partners Group (The CPG), powered by MPG, is a comprehensive retail solutions company. The CPG represents established and emerging brands across all categories of merchandise and provides acclaimed services that build brands and businesses. Deep Dive is an entity of The CPG, which provides category management and analytics as the foundation and to further fuel growth. This role is ideally based in Minneapolis, MN, but remote locations will be considered for the right candidate.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Category Manager serves as an analytic, methodical and consumer insights expert using the category management process as a decision platform. This position will lead all initiatives designed to drive category growth and optimize existing distribution, merchandising, pricing and promotional mix. Working directly with Target’s buying team, the Category Manager will drive strategic recommendations, as well as oversee POG transition / revisions. This position will also provide consumer insights and will deliver fact-based selling recommendations to help achieve volume, market share and profit targets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilize category management skills and understanding to deliver against brand volume, market share, and profit objectives
• Develop and manage all consumption, shipment, and consumer-based information that are disseminated to Target’s buying team
• Work with variety of data to develop recommendations for products or Retailer product mix, pricing, promotion and merchandising
• Provide assistance in developing insights and recommendations on new items, promotional planning, “fix the product mix" opportunities, merchandising optimization, and pricing initiatives
• Work with Target’s buying team to utilize category and consumer management insights to help drive overall product launch strategy
• Identify unmet consumer needs and participate in cross-functional teams to develop product, service, and market-space solutions to address those needs
• Communicate relevant industry trending information to key stakeholders
• Plan, create and perform extensive POG building throughout transition / revision processes
• Manage and develop direct reports by creating an environment that fosters learning and growth.
• Champion “Best in Class” analysis and reporting by utilizing your resources and being an expert with spreadsheets, databases, and presentation tools.
• Continually improve Category Management proficiencies, people management skills and business skill set.

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Understanding of AC Nielsen, NPD or IRI syndicated data, marketing research, and current product sales and industry trends.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Power point
• Working knowledge of category management and planogram software
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize work to meet deadlines
• Strong leadership, teamwork, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Ability to interact with diverse personalities at all levels of the organization
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships and partnerships
• Entrepreneurial attitude, agility, and resourcefulness
• Utmost respect for confidentiality & objectivity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentations
• Strong organizational and negotiation skills
• Ability to self-direct and work autonomously
• Must meet all pre-employment and post-hire requirements, including but not limited to: background check, drug screening, and motor vehicle review

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• Target experience required
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience with Target systems.
• Able to prioritize tasks based on understanding of business needs.
• Utilizes critical thinking to drive for results
• Intellectual curiosity to formulate constructive questions and solutions to drive the business
• Communicates clearly, concisely, and in a timely manner
• Has a sense of urgency and is able to anticipate the needs of the business and team
• Values and uses their time and the time of others effectively and efficiently.

BENEFITS

We offer a generous package of health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, paid maternity/paternity leave and life insurance. Our compensation program provides market industry base salary, bonuses, and 401K. In addition to paid holidays, we reward an employee’s extra efforts through unlimited paid time off.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

MPG provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

We are committed to ensuring that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) are at the foundation of our culture. Through DEI&B, we embrace the beauty in all of the unique qualities of our employees, communities and clients. MPG’s DEI&B efforts empower us to collectively reach our full potential. by fueling innovation, connection, and growth. We recognize the value of having a diverse and engaged team. We are an organization driven by PEOPLE. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging was born from our core values. We believe that by leveraging the unique perspectives and experiences of our employees, MPG can unlock more comprehensive, innovative, and long-standing results for both our client and retailer partners. As our journey continues to evolve, we have made intentional commitments to further champion DEI&B. The foundation of our pledge starts with our promise to each other, our clients, and the community.

VACCINATION STATUS

MPG does not require candidates to be vaccinated when hired, with the following exception:

If the client for whom the role is being filled requires all candidates to be vaccinated, MPG will require those candidates to be vaccinated. In these cases, candidates will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before commencing employment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for exemptions to this requirement in accordance with applicable law.