This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Director, Category Leadership based in the United States.
This role sits at the center of commercial strategy and category growth for a rapidly scaling better-for-you consumer brand. You will define how the category evolves, shape long-term growth strategy, and translate complex shopper, household, and retailer data into clear, actionable commercial direction. Acting as both a strategic advisor and an executive-facing storyteller, you will influence senior stakeholders across Sales, Marketing, Innovation, and Revenue Growth Management. The environment is fast-moving, highly data-driven, and deeply cross-functional, requiring both strategic thinking and hands-on execution. You will also serve as a key partner to major retailers, helping shape assortment, shelf strategy, and category expansion opportunities. Beyond insights, this role is about turning data into decisions that materially drive growth and market leadership.
Accountabilities:
You will own category strategy, insights leadership, and retailer-facing storytelling, translating data into actionable commercial growth plans.
- Define and lead the long-term category leadership vision, including annual Category Growth Story, competitive positioning, and whitespace identification.
- Translate syndicated, panel, household, and retailer data into clear, commercially grounded recommendations that drive Sales, Marketing, and Innovation decisions.
- Serve as the internal category subject matter expert on shopper behavior, category performance, and competitive dynamics.
- Partner with Sales teams to build retailer-specific category strategies and compelling data-backed growth narratives.
- Act as an executive-level category advisor to key retail partners, influencing assortment, space, shelf, and merchandising decisions.
- Own space planning recommendations, SKU optimization, and shelf strategy frameworks that drive incremental growth and efficiency.
- Collaborate with RGM, Finance, and Marketing to ensure category insights directly shape commercial planning and revenue growth initiatives.
- Build, lead, and scale a high-performing category leadership team, developing capability across insights, storytelling, and data-driven decision-making.
Requirements:
You bring deep CPG category leadership experience, strong analytical capability, and a proven ability to influence retailers and senior stakeholders.
- 10+ years of experience in Category Management, Category Leadership, or Commercial Strategy within CPG, preferably in food or snack categories.
- 6+ years of people leadership experience, including developing managers and building high-performing teams.
- Strong track record of influencing retail partners and executive stakeholders through data-driven storytelling and strategic insight.
- Experience building or scaling a category management or insights function in a high-growth or established CPG environment.
- Expert-level proficiency with syndicated data platforms such as SPINS, Circana/IRI, NielsenIQ, and retailer datasets.
- Strong understanding of assortment optimization, space management, planogram development, and shopper insights methodologies.
- Ability to translate complex datasets into clear business implications, recommendations, and retailer-ready narratives.
- Excellent executive communication skills with the ability to lead presentations and influence senior decision-makers.
- Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; familiarity with BI tools such as Power BI is a plus.
Benefits:
- Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Unlimited PTO and paid holidays
- Flexible and remote-first working model
- Wellness and home office reimbursements
- Paid parental leave
- Professional development and continuing education support
- Equity or long-term incentive opportunities (where applicable)
- Opportunity to shape category strategy at a high-growth consumer brand
- Collaborative, entrepreneurial, and impact-driven culture