1

Category Leadership Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$140 - $190/hr

Director - Category Leadership & Product Marketing Job Category : Category/Product Management Requisition Number : DIREC001342 * Posted : August 17, 2026 * Full-Time * Hybrid Locations Showing 1 ...

Posted today

Category Development Manager I

Livingston, CA · On-site +1

$103K - $129K/yr

Category Leadership & Insights * Lead the development of category insights across Foster Farms' portfolio using data from Circana (IRI), 84.51°, and Numerator to uncover growth opportunities and ...

Category Analyst-Walmart

Rogers, AR · On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

This role supports Category Management for Mondelez and partners closely with cross-functional teams, including trade marketing, category leadership & sales. The ideal candidate is highly analytical ...

Category Analyst-Walmart

Rogers, AR · On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

This role supports Category Management for Mondelez and partners closely with cross-functional teams, including trade marketing, category leadership & sales. The ideal candidate is highly analytical ...

Category Leader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$147K - $157K/yr

... leadership during sourcing initiatives through total cost of ownership model development, category strategy development, fact-based negotiation strategy development and execution, supplier evaluation ...

Showing results 21-40

Category Leadership information

See salary details

$36K

$93.4K

$134.5K

How much do category leadership jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for category leadership in the United States is $93,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is category leadership?

Category Leadership is a business strategy where a company aims to become the leading authority and preferred choice within a specific product category. This involves understanding market trends, consumer behaviors, and competitors, then leveraging this insight to drive growth, innovation, and profitability within that category. Category leaders often set industry standards, influence customer preferences, and collaborate closely with retailers to optimize product assortment, pricing, and promotions. The goal is to maximize the performance of both the category and the company’s brands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in category leadership?

To thrive in Category Leadership, you need strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of category management principles, and relevant experience in retail or consumer goods, often supported by a degree in business or marketing. Familiarity with data analytics tools (such as Nielsen, IRI, or Tableau), planogram software, and advanced Excel is typically required. Strategic thinking, relationship-building, and strong communication are standout soft skills for influencing cross-functional stakeholders and driving category growth. These skills and qualities are essential for optimizing product assortments, maximizing sales, and fostering collaborative partnerships between manufacturers and retailers.

How does a category leadership professional typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive category growth?

Category Leadership professionals work closely with sales, marketing, supply chain, and analytics teams to develop and execute strategies that enhance category performance. They often lead cross-functional meetings to align on goals, share market insights, and coordinate promotional activities. Effective communication and the ability to influence without direct authority are essential, as they must balance the objectives of various stakeholders while keeping the category's overall growth as the top priority. This collaborative approach enables faster decision-making and more innovative solutions for both retailers and suppliers.

What is the difference between Category Leadership vs Category Manager?

AspectCategory LeadershipCategory Manager
Primary FocusStrategic vision and long-term growth of a product categoryDay-to-day management and execution of category plans
ResponsibilitiesSetting category strategy, innovation, and market positioningPricing, promotions, inventory, and sales performance
Required SkillsStrategic thinking, leadership, market analysisAnalytical skills, vendor management, operational execution
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, senior management, external partnersRetail stores, supply chain, marketing teams

Category Leadership involves setting the strategic direction for a product category, focusing on long-term growth and market positioning. In contrast, a Category Manager handles the daily operations, including pricing, promotions, and inventory management. Both roles require analytical skills, but Category Leadership emphasizes strategic vision, while Category Managers focus on execution and operational efficiency.

What is a category leadership job?

A category leadership job involves managing and developing a specific product category within a company, focusing on strategy, market analysis, and driving sales growth. Professionals in this role often collaborate with cross-functional teams, utilize data analysis tools, and require strong leadership and communication skills.
More about Category Leadership jobs

What cities are hiring for Category Leadership jobs?

Cities with the most Category Leadership job openings:

Infographic showing various Category Leadership job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,410 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Associate Manager, Category Leadership

Campbell's

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$87K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Since 1869, we've connected people through food they love. We're proud to be stewards of amazing brands that people trust. Our portfolio includes the iconic Campbell's brand, as well as Cape Cod, Chunky, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Pace, Rao's Homemade, Snack Factory, Snyder's of Hanover.Swanson, and V8.

Here, you will make a difference every day. You will be supported to build a rewarding career with opportunities to grow, innovate and inspire. Make history with us.

Why Campbell's...

  • Benefits begin on day one and include medical, dental, short and long-term disability, AD&D, and life insurance (for individual, families, and domestic partners).
  • Employees are eligible for our matching 401(k) plan and can enroll on the first day of employment with immediate vesting.
  • Campbell's offers unlimited sick time along with paid time off and holiday pay.
  • If in WHQ - free access to the fitness center. Access to on-site day care (operated by Bright Horizons) and company store.
  • Giving back to the communities where our employees work and live is very important to Campbell's. Our "Campbell's Cares" program matches employee donations and/or volunteer activity up to $1,500 annually.
  • Campbell's has a variety of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support employees.

How you will make history here...
This is an opportunity to make a direct impact with major Regional Grocery retailers by turning data into stories that influence decisions and drive category growth. You'll support a high-visibility Meals and Beverages portfolio featuring iconic brands consumers know and love, including Campbell's, Swanson, Pace, and Rao's. You'll also partner across functions to help shape assortment, shelving, and distribution strategies through analytics, storytelling, and space planning.


We are seeking a highly analytical, customer-focused category management professional to support Regional Grocery retailers across the Meals and Beverages portfolio. This role is ideal for someone who can turn data into actionable insights, build compelling customer stories, and develop shelving and distribution recommendations that drive business results. This role will work across a portfolio of iconic brands, while partnering closely with Sales, Shopper Insights, Category Strategy, and Sales Planning to influence customer strategy and support growth through analytics, storytelling, and space planning. The ideal candidate thrives in a team-based environment, builds strong cross-functional partnerships, and is known for being a collaborative and solutions-oriented teammate.

What you will do...

  • Analyze category, shopper, and sales data to identify growth opportunities and business risks

  • Translate insights into compelling customer stories and recommendations on assortment, shelving, and distribution

  • Develop retailer-facing presentations for category reviews, new item selling stories, and strategic business updates

  • Build planograms and shelving recommendations using JDA / Blue Yonder or similar space planning tools

  • Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Shopper Insights, Category Strategy, and Sales Planning to deliver actionable recommendations, build alignment, and operate as a trusted team partner

Who you will work with...

Key member of the Meals and Beverages organization.

What you bring to the table... (Must have)

  • Bachelor's degree

  • 4 years of experience in CPG, category management, analytics, or a related field

  • Experience building planograms in JDA / Blue Yonder or similar space planning software

  • Proficiency with syndicated and insights tools such as Circana, Numerator, Mintel, Gateway, or Power BI

  • Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel capabilities

  • Ability to turn data into clear, persuasive business stories and retailer-ready recommendations

  • Experience working with category, shopper, consumer, or sales data

It would be great if you have... (Nice to have)

  • Experience supporting Regional Grocery retailers in a CPG environment

  • Background in Category Management, Space Planning, or customer-facing analytics roles

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a proven ability to build relationships, work effectively across functions, and contribute positively in collaborative environments

  • Ability to travel (approx. 25%)


This is a fully remote role. We are open to all geographies.

Compensation and Benefits:

The target base salary range for this full-time, salaried position is between

$87,900-$120,900

Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. Total pay may include other forms of compensation. In addition, we offer competitive health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment. Please ask your Talent Acquisition Partner for more information about our total rewards package.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and qualified applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, including consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by law.