Category Planning Specialist

Join the Frank Beverage Group Family of Companies! Frank Beverage Group is a family-owned and operated beer, wine, and spirits distributor that stands for quality, and excellence & a classic yet transformational brand that our customers can count on year after year. We hire exceptional people who will lead & make learning part of their own career journey. From distribution to marketing, from sales to service, inspiration can be found in many of our career positions.

Frank Beverage Group offers a great working environment & benefits programs to full-time employees:

• Great work and social environment
• Paid Time-Off
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• 401k Savings Plan
• Company Paid Life, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Benefits
• And more!

Position Overview:

The Category Planning Specialist is responsible for developing solutions for their assigned accounts to grow the size and the value of the customer's beverage category, while capturing a disproportionate share of growth which includes the sale and implementation of retail space plans

 Responsibilities May Include: 

1. Develops and maintains an understanding of the retailers strategy, business needs, and goals.
2. Addresses business opportunities by leveraging multiple data sources, analytics, and shopper insights with a deep understanding of category and retail environments. Incorporates consumer/shopper insights and behaviors into plan analysis and recommendation.
3. Works collaboratively with sales leaders and chain management to track and measure distribution and sales revenue results.
4. Presents set proposal to retailers and distributors to build partnerships and grow the beverage category.
5. Designs and delivers category management plans to retailers to grow space and assortment aligned with business unit and supplier strategies.
6. Maintains retailer database, performs account analysis and reporting and acts as a category consultant. Analyzes account specific data or available syndicated data to achieve market share growth of shelf space, merchandising standards, and promotional objectives.
7. Develops store shelf sets using Category Management software and space and assortment tools to optimize retailers category.
8. Leads, schedules and installs category resets at store level in a timely and professional manner.
9. Assists in creating space planning maps and collaborates with the Category Manager to understand overall store layouts, category placements, and total unit capacity.
10. Collaborates with sales and management to incorporate new products and promotional merchandise in conjunction with finalized resets.
11. Maintains knowledge of product portfolio, promotions and product, industry and sales trends.
12. Works with the sales teams to build strong relationships with retailers.
13. Participates in sales meetings and training.
14. Assists sales team with day-to-day activities when needed.
15. Secures distribution in assigned trade channel by setting benchmarks and calling on accounts both independently and with sales representatives.
16. Updates product information including dimensions, descriptions and financial performance with the most current cost, price and movement data for all Off-Premise accounts.
17. Identifies and executes POS opportunities at accounts within our market.
18. Works with the customer in coordination with the sales team and other distributors to schedule customer resets.
19. Conducts pre- and post-analysis of cooler and shelf sets by counting sku's and cubic footage.
20. Follows up with sales team and sales management to ensure quality of work completed.
21. May participate in supplier crew drives and focus weeks with sales teams, as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

1. Attention to detail
2. Good planning and organizational skills
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
4. Strong informal and formal presentation skills
5. Proficient in the use and reporting of eoStar, route accounting software program and other industry applications
6. Ability to manage multiple priorities
7. Able to handle change on-the-go
8. Results driven, energetic and proactive
9. Analytical skills
10. Ability to handle adversity and pressure
11. Knowledge of sales techniques and tactics including required steps of a sales call - PROFIT and SPRITE
12. Professional composure
13. Adaptability and ability to assist a variety of internal customer groups and varying personality types on a daily basis; ability to work with challenging customers internally & externally
14. Proficient knowledge of category management methodologies, tools and software.
15. Strong collaborations skills, demonstrated ability to balance the competing needs of various stakeholders
16. Ability to make decisions timely with the appropriate amount of information available
17. Negotiation Skills
18. Maintains expert level knowledge of product portfolio and promotions
19. Knowledge of supplier quality assurance standards
20. Knowledge of supplier marketing guidelines and appropriate use of brands in displays and partnerships
21. Knowledgeable of key state and federal regulations governing alcohol distribution services such as legal drinking age, licensing, use of free goods and outdated product replacement.
22. Deep understanding of pricing and promotions and able to calculate costs and pricing to ensure costs and profitability

 Qualifications: 

1. High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred
2. On- or off-premise experience and previous sales experience within the beverage industry highly preferred
3. Experience in the Consumer Product Goods (CPG) industry is preferred
4. Understanding of category management preferred
5. Industry professional certifications preferred
6. A valid driver's license, reliable transportation and proof of insurance is required
7. Ability to acquire and maintain necessary liquor sales persons permit
8. Ability to acquire and maintain any other permits, licenses, etc. that may be required by the company
9. May need to work evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary

 Physical Requirements: 

1. Must be able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 40 pounds on a regular basis and up to 160 pounds on an occasional basis
2. Must be able to sit in a car for extended periods
3. Must be able to crouch, reach and grasp

Safety and Equipment:  

1. May have to use industry tools including pallet jack, box cutter, etc.