Work Shift: Day Pay Type: Salary Hourly Rate (if applicable): N/A Targeted Base Salary Range (if applicable): $140,800.00 - $182,600.00 JOB OVERVIEW: As the Senior Manager of Category Management, you will play a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives that optimize category growth and profitability across our food and beverage portfolio. You will lead cross-functional teams to develop data-driven category plans, conduct in-depth market and consumer analysis, and identify emerging trends to guide both short-term and long-term business decisions. This is a high-impact role that requires a blend of strategic thinking, analytical skills, and industry expertise. RESPONSIBILITIES: ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Lead the development of category strategies focusing on growth, innovation, and profitability. Act as a trusted consultant on reporting and analysis, offering expertise to influence key business decisions beyond Category Management and to the wider commercial group Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, etc.) to ensure alignment and execution of strategic initiatives. Utilize consumer behavior, market data, and competitive intelligence to drive insights that inform category strategies. Identify market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive dynamics to provide actionable recommendations. Conduct in-depth analysis to evaluate category performance, identifying opportunities and risks. Drive demand forecasting and manage category P&L performance to optimize profitability. Work closely with Product Development and Innovation teams to identify gaps in the category, leading to new product ideas and solutions that meet consumer needs and align with category strategy. Identify opportunities for category growth and profitability through pricing strategies, promotional planning, assortment optimization, and merchandising strategies. Ensure products are optimized for distribution, placement, and visibility across all key channels. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders (sales teams, key accounts, retailers, suppliers) to ensure alignment and successful execution of category plans. Lead cross-functional teams (marketing, sales, operations, etc.) to implement and execute category initiatives. Collaborate with Sales Leadership to develop trade and promotional strategies. Establish KPIs and metrics to monitor the performance of category strategies. Regularly report progress to senior leadership, offering insights on category health, market trends, and financial performance. MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field. In lieu of bachelor’s degree, 15 years of experience 10 years of experience in category management, strategic marketing, or business strategy within the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) or Food & Beverage industries. Demonstrated experience in people management, including leading teams, providing mentorship, and fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Proven experience in leading category growth initiatives, including new product development, market expansion, and innovation. Strong understanding of commercial market dynamics, consumer insights, pricing strategies, and P&L management. Experience with data analysis tools and platforms (e.g., e.g. NielsenIQ, Circana, Numerator, Excel, etc.”). Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to distill complex data into actionable insights. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership. Strategic thinker with a strong commercial acumen and an ability to drive execution. Experience managing external partnerships (e.g., retailers, suppliers, agencies) and internal stakeholder relationships. Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving. PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES MBA or advanced degree SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 1-3 PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Employees work under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet. Blue Diamond Growers is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability WHY BLUE DIAMOND? In addition to working at the world’s largest, state-of-the-art almond manufacturer, we offer a safe and collaborative team environment, with numerous opportunities for free training and career advancement. Check out the BDG Benefits, Health & Wellness Guide HERE . Grow your career. Partner with us. We Are the Almond People! Ready to get started? Apply now! Blue Diamond Growers (BDG) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. BDG provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information. BDG also complies with all provisions of the U.S. Government's Executive Order 11246 dated September 24, 1965 and the rules, regulations and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. About Blue Diamond In 1910 a cooperative of 230 California almond growers formed with the following core values: To build strong relationships among growers and with their customers; To communicate directly and honestly; and To work as a team to realize the best return on their investment. More than a century later, Blue Diamond Growers still adheres to these values at every level of our operation. Our employees are strongly committed to the brand and to each other - the word "family" is often used to describe our culture. Today, Blue Diamond Growers represents more than 3,000 almond growers in California - the state that provides over 80% of the world's supply. We are one of the most recognized food brands in the world, with annual sales exceeding $1billion. We believe in transparency and honest communication. Our work style is team-based, working together to innovate, process, and distribute the best almond products to the world. After more than 100 years, our core values of integrity, partnership, innovation and quality remain strong. Our commitment to excellence has driven Blue Diamond's unprecedented growth, innovation, high quality, and value. You'll find these values at work throughout our company. We strive for a diverse workforce, always aiming for greater levels of inclusion. In addition to a robust benefits package, we offer an employee wellness and fitness program, in which a majority of our workforce currently participates.
