Category Manager, Full Time, Bentonville, AR

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Supports delivery of team/customer volume and share objectives by providing fact-based analytics to support the strategic business plan and tactical execution. This position will work closely with internal and external business partners to leverage all aspects of Category Management and Strategic Category Planning within their assigned account(s).

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Functions as an objective data resource for the customer through regular interaction with the customer's merchandising team members.
• Collaborate with the sales team and buyer in the development and implementation of business plans that achieve both Crayola and the customer's category growth goals.
• Translates consumer and shopper data from multiple sources into actionable retail strategies
• Develops recommendation for the sales to team for line reviews and promotional events
• Performs post promotion evaluation on key promotional activities.
• Develop and maintain strong customer relationships
• Performs market assessments & new market opportunity GAP analysis utilizing appropriate data resources.
• Analyze market & class of trade information identifying opportunities to grow the business
• Present findings to buyers influencing buying decisions.
• Analyze customer needs, objectives and strategies improving seasonal or category sell through.
• Develop account specific plans to increase sales, profitability and other account objectives.
• Enters into a full category management engagement with key customer's focused on full data exchange and custom consumer research.
• Utilizes internal, third party, and customer data to create standard and ad hoc reports, support presentation development, and develop team strategies.
• Develops long-term strategic relationships with core customer decision-makers.
• Deliver volume and share objectives.
• Train and educate sales force on data utilization

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

• BA or BS in business related studies (MBA plus).
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in customer and category management.
• Classically trained with a major CPG manufacturer in the areas of category management, EPA, planograming, account P&L's, and analytics.
• Advanced command of the following software application: Excel, PowerPoint, & Syndicated data systems (IRI,Neilsen,NPD) and assigned customer specific applications (eg. Retaillink, Inforetriver, workbench, RSI), and Luminate
• Strong presentation, oral and written communication skills.
• Strong Analytical skills - able to quickly identify trends, opportunities and business solutions.
• Experience translating retailer POS and creating action plans
• Strong attention to detail in a fast paced, demanding work environment.
• Strong organizational and follow up skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• Regional. Corporate, Home Office determine by direct manager
• 40% Travel

WHY CRAYOLA?

• Kid Inspired Culture
• Free Admission to Crayola Experience for Employees
• Community Volunteerism Opportunities
• Annual Bonus Potential for all Full-Time Employees
• Company Matched 401k & Employee Value Sharing Plan
• Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits for Eligible Employees
• Education Assistance Program
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Resource Groups
• Generous Product Discounts Onsite & Online
• Company Sponsored Employee Events
• Discounts on a wide variety of products and services - automotive, electronics, fitness, travel and entertainment

Diversity & Inclusion at Crayola
We will cultivate diversity and create a culture of inclusion for our collective brands - one that grows through sustained action, demonstrates care for every life experience, inspires new products and content, and builds a sense of belonging in which every employee is able to be their very best. Learn more about Crayola's Diversity and Inclusion strategy: https://www.crayola.com/about-us/diversity-and-inclusion.aspx

Green is our favorite color!
Crayola cares about the environment and responsibly makes the products you love. Learn more about Crayola's creative solutions for greener tomorrows: https://www.crayola.com/about-us/sustainability.aspx

We offer competitive salary, outstanding benefits and the potential for advancement through the use of creative abilities. No phone calls please.

Search Firm Representatives - Please Read Carefully:
Crayola LLC is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this employment opportunity. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Crayola LLC via e-mail, the Internet, or directly to hiring managers at Crayola LLC in any form without valid written search agreement in place for that position will be deemed the sole property of Crayola LLC, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Crayola LLC as a result of the referral or through other means.

Search firms are essential to the recruitment and staffing efforts at Crayola LLC, and we value the partnerships we have built with our vendors. For this reason, Crayola LLC has established and regularly maintains a preferred vendor list. Please note that even preferred vendors need to have a written search agreement signed by Human Resources at Crayola LLC in place for the specific position in order for a fee to be paid for any candidate referrals.