Senior Category Manager
Franklin, TN · On-site +1
... remote work. What are your key responsibilities? * Category Strategy & Insights * Develop and ... planning processes * Measure effectiveness of promotional programs, assortment changes, and ...
Senior Category Manager
Franklin, TN · On-site +1
... remote work. What are your key responsibilities? * Category Strategy & Insights * Develop and ... planning processes * Measure effectiveness of promotional programs, assortment changes, and ...
Assortment Planner Remote information
What is the difference between Assortment Planner Remote vs Merchandiser?
| Aspect | Assortment Planner Remote | Merchandiser |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Bachelor's in Business, Retail, or related field; experience in planning software | Bachelor's in Marketing, Retail, or related field; retail experience |
| Work Environment | Remote, collaborative with planning teams | In-store or warehouse, interacting with sales teams and suppliers |
| Industry Usage | Retail chains, e-commerce companies | Retail stores, fashion, and consumer goods sectors |
| Search & Comparison Intent | Understanding planning roles, remote job options | Understanding merchandising roles, retail operations |
Assortment Planner Remote focuses on strategic product planning and inventory management from a remote setting, often requiring analytical skills and planning software expertise. Merchandisers typically work directly in stores or warehouses, focusing on product presentation and sales. Both roles are vital in retail but differ in work environment and daily responsibilities.
How does an assortment planner collaborate with other departments in a remote setting?
As a remote Assortment Planner, you will frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams such as merchandising, buying, inventory management, and marketing. This collaboration typically happens through virtual meetings, shared data dashboards, and project management tools. Clear communication and proactive coordination are essential for aligning on assortment strategies, forecasting demand, and responding to market trends. You’ll often participate in weekly planning sessions and provide data-driven insights to help guide assortment decisions across the organization.
What does an assortment planner do?
An assortment planner is responsible for selecting and managing product ranges to meet customer demand and optimize sales. They analyze sales data, forecast trends, and collaborate with vendors to ensure the right products are available at the right time, often using planning software. This role requires strong analytical skills and knowledge of inventory management.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assortment planner remote?
To thrive as an Assortment Planner (Remote), you need strong analytical skills, experience in merchandise planning, and a background in retail or supply chain management, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with planning software such as JDA, SAP, or Oracle Retail, and advanced Excel skills are typically required. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate virtually with cross-functional teams are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective inventory management, data-driven decision making, and alignment with business goals in a remote work environment.
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What job categories do people searching Assortment Planner Remote jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Assortment Planner Remote jobs in Tennessee are:
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Mars Inc. rating
7.7
Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
121st of 435 rated food and drinks producers
Job description
Job Description:
The Senior Category Manager is responsible for leading category strategy, shopper insights, and analytics across both traditional retail and digital commerce channels to drive category growth, strengthen customer partnerships, and support the Company's commercial objectives.
Multiple openings are available across categories including Dry Dog, Wet Dog, Cat, and Care & Treats.
This role serves as a strategic advisor to Sales, Marketing, and retail customers by delivering data-driven recommendations that optimize assortment, shelving, pricing, promotion, and digital shelf performance.
The Senior Category Manager plays a critical role in translating consumer, shopper, and marketplace insights into actionable strategies that drive growth across omnichannel retail environments.
This position partners closely with customer teams, eCommerce, Revenue Growth Management, and Marketing to develop category leadership capabilities and support customer-centric business planning.
This role is based in Franklin, TN with regular in-office collaboration expected. Flexibility is a key enabler-empowering associates to make choices that support both business outcomes and personal needs, including occasional remote work.
What are your key responsibilities?
Category Strategy & Insights
Develop and execute category management strategies that drive growth for both the Company and retail customers across traditional and digital commerce channels
Analyze consumer, shopper, market, and competitive trends to identify category opportunities and risks
Deliver actionable recommendations related to assortment, shelving, merchandising, pricing, promotion, and category optimization
Lead category reviews, line reviews, and strategic business presentations for internal stakeholders and retail customers
Support innovation launches through category analysis, whitespace identification, and post-launch performance tracking
Digital Category Management & eCommerce
Partner with eCommerce and Digital Commerce teams to optimize digital shelf performance, search visibility, content effectiveness, and online assortment strategies
Analyze online shopper behavior, digital conversion metrics, search trends, and retailer-specific eCommerce performance data
Develop recommendations to improve online discoverability, conversion, ratings & reviews, and omnichannel shopper engagement
Support retailer media and digital merchandising initiatives to enhance category growth and brand visibility
Monitor emerging eCommerce and omnichannel retail trends to identify new growth opportunities
Data Analytics & Business Planning
Utilize syndicated data sources and retailer analytics platforms to generate insights and business recommendations
Build and maintain reporting tools, dashboards, scorecards, and performance analyses to support decision-making
Translate complex data into clear, concise business recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences
Support annual business planning, joint business planning (JBP), and strategic customer planning processes
Measure effectiveness of promotional programs, assortment changes, and merchandising initiatives
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, Revenue Growth Management, Consumer Insights, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to support commercial objectives
Collaborate with customer teams to develop fact-based selling stories and customer-specific growth strategies
Support field sales and customer teams with insights, presentations, and category expertise
Influence cross-functional stakeholders through strong analytical storytelling and strategic recommendations
Thought Leadership & Capability Building
Serve as a category expert and trusted advisor within the organization and with retail customers
Drive continuous improvement in category management processes, reporting capabilities, and analytical tools
Mentor and support development of junior category management team members as applicable
Stay current on category management best practices, retail trends, shopper behavior, and digital commerce evolution
Bachelor's degree required, business, marketing, analytics, economics, or related field preferred
5-10 years of experience in Category Management, Shopper Insights, Sales Strategy, or related CPG commercial functions
Experience supporting major retail customers and omnichannel/eCommerce environments
Strong understanding of consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry dynamics and retail execution
Demonstrated experience utilizing syndicated data and retailer analytics platforms
Advanced analytical, presentation, and communication skills
Experience with data visualization and reporting tools such as Power BI or Tableau preferred
Ability to manage multiple priorities and influence cross-functional stakeholders in a matrixed organization
Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities
Strong financial acumen, negotiation skills, and strategic planning capabilities
Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and lead within matrixed organizations
Excellent communication, executive presentation, and relationship management skills
Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles
Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today
A strong focus on 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
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