What are the responsibilities and job description for the CPG Category Manager position at Ajinomoto Foods North America?
The CPG Category Manager directs and manages the assigned product category portfolio and intersecting brands to deliver and/or exceed sales and profit targets. The manager will provide management of the category, drive innovation, and provide management of the value chain internally with cross-functional teammates to maximize the utility of assets and ensure consistent and sustainable profit delivery. This role will also manage, provide direction to external partners, and develop and execute tactics. The manager will have cross-channel responsibilities, including customized, specialty, and supermarket channels.
Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the CPG Category Manager are outlined below and include but are not limited to the following:
- Develop and execute category strategies to meet business objectives, market demands, and customer needs.
- Analyze market trends, consumer insights, and competitor activities to identity opportunities and risks within assigned categories.
- Conduct regular competitor analysis to stay informed about industry trends, pricing strategies, and new product launches.
- Responsible for the financial business management of the category through thorough P&L analysis and key issue identification. Accountable for budgeting of marketing spend and ensuring reserve control and spend within budget.
- Lead and collaborate cross-functional teams such as R&D, Operations, Marketing, and Finance to develop product development and introduction plans.
- Identify information gaps requiring market research, drive research needs, and manage the application of consumer insights that will be the basis of driving profitable growth.
- Manage the value chain management across functions, in order to optimize inventory management, forecasting demand, and implementing effective strategies.
- Responsible for the development of annual and mid-term business plans.
- Manage the portfolio of the category, including innovation and continuous product improvement.
- Manage the development and application of all consumer communication.
- Oversee management of all administrative responsibilities.
- Accountable for compliance with all AFNA processes, standards and policies.
Position Qualifications
The right candidate will possess leadership, people management, portfolio management, value chain management, innovation, advertising/promotion and financial skills as well as sound business judgment and the ability to drive in a matrix organization.
Qualifications include:
- BA/BS degree, preferably in business management or marketing. MBA degree preferred.
- 4 years of category / brand management experience.
- Solid analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make data driven decisions.
- Demonstrated success in cross-functional leadership and project management.
- Proven financial management skills.
- Established business management skill inclusive of product development and innovation.
- Demonstrated communication skills across a variety of communication methods and tools.
- Proven working knowledge of market research and demonstrated analytical skills.
- A relatable food experience and/or a demonstrated passion and/or knowledge of food preferable.
- Pay Range is $95,000 to $120,000
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