Senior Category Analyst - Kroger na C.A. Carlin

Who We Are 

At C.A. Carlin, we take brands to new heights. We are one of the leading privately held sales agencies in the industry. Thanks to nimble growth and associations with our operating partners, C.A. Fortune and C.A. Ferolie, we have built brand value that is unlike any other in the CPG industry. 

What We Do 

Since our start in 1962, we have built industry relationships on the foundation of trust and action. We turn information into insight. We convert insight into programs. We drive programs that consistently deliver results to our clients, on their timeline.

We have more than 300 associates and multiple offices throughout the country. We represent top brands in many categories such as confection, snack, grocery, beverage, frozen, dairy etc. 

Overview of the Role

• The Senior Category Analyst functions as a Business Intelligence professional with the primary responsibility to provide implementation of Category Management and other advanced marketing/analytic initiatives for a specific customer (client), category and Kroger. This role will be an integral part of building, developing and maintaining a credible, long term role with our clients and our retail partner (Kroger). The Senior Category Analyst must be able to recognize Customer/Category opportunities and direct the Category Management process to include Business Managers/Insights and Marketing to solve the business issues that will drive sales
• Hybrid - Cincinnati, OH; in office 2-3 days/week
• Salary range $75,000 - $90,000 depending on experience, qualifications and skills
• Travel Requirements: 5-10% to present to clients or customers regionally
• At C.A. we’re not looking for perfection, just people that want to commit to a us and grow their careers long-term. We are on a mission to build better brands for consumers and their families. If you’re looking for a sign to apply, here it is!

What You'll Do at C.A. Carlin

• Manage and direct the activities of a major line of or group of lines as it relates to the Category Development initiatives for our customers and Kroger 
• Represent the Business Analytics department in new principal interviews or business reviews by being able to present category insights and opportunities via Nielsen, SPINS/Circana, 84.51 and Market 6/Stratum   
• Analyze complex data sets and integrate all sales technology tools to create Analytics presentations (insights to action) for principals represented by C.A. Carlin across the Kroger enterprise 
• Establish leadership position with the category managers at all levels and assist them in their category management needs and processes 
• Create all presentations including account and principal business reviews, new item introductions, new principal interviews, top-to-tops for use within C.A. Carlin Cincinnati 
• Utilize and understand Nielsen and Circana syndicated scanning and National Consumer Panel data used to generate information for business reviews 
• Have a solid understanding of consumer purchase/behavioral data and basic working knowledge of 84.51 and how this data source integrates with Kroger POS (Market 6) data 
• Initiate and participate with Business Managers/Shopper Insights and principals in the design, implementation and evaluation of local marketing events 
• Routinely visit customers in the market with Business Managers. Assist in conducting store audits to view merchandising and inventory requirements in assigned categories.  

What You Should Bring to the Table

• Bachelor’s Degree plus 3-5 years CPG industry sales and category management experience (Food and/or beverage preferred) with some experience in Category Development 
• Must have CPG (food or beverage) experience
• Must be highly proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel (Access and Power BI is an advantage)
  • High-level skills/formulas - Pivot table guru with ability to create calculations
• Build complex selling stories with data.
• Must have experience with Circana (IRI)/ Nielsen/ SPINS/ Stratum - 3+ years. 
• Assist in training junior team members
• Thought leadership around how to grow business at Kroger
• Must have prior work experience in data analysis and systems and be able to demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the technology involved to operate and maintain these systems 
• Extensive knowledge of syndicated data (Nielsen or Circana) and Household Panel 
• Working knowledge of planogram software/analytics – Apollo, Spaceman or JDA Tactics  
• Excellent analytic skills are needed not only to evaluate, to provide useful, actionable tools/insights that provide clear direction on strategies 
• Strong project management experience and planning competencies 
• Innovative, solution-oriented mindset with problem solving and strategic thinking skills 
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision 
• Strong communication skills are required to express analytics to various levels within the organization, the customer and with principals 
• In-depth knowledge of the consumer goods industry including class of trade, customers, category, competitive products and industry trends 
• Must be able to effectively interact and communicate with peers, sales management, senior management – customer interface experience is a “must” 
• Must be able to work effectively and professionally in a team environment 

You Will Stand Out If You Have

• Extensive Kroger experience - Stratum, Market 6, 84.51

What We Offer 

• 16 days of PTO
• 11 paid company holidays per year 
• 2 paid volunteer days per year 
• Bonus Eligible 
• 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender) 
• Medical, dental, and vision 
• Monthly cell phone allowance 
• Paid company life insurance 
• 401k with company match 
• Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day) 
• Work from home flexibility 

Come As You Are 

C.A. is committed to making our company more inclusive. Diversity fuels our innovation and better connects us to our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. Based on research, we know that women and other marginalized groups tend to apply to roles only when their experience perfectly matches the job description. That said, we encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of qualifications, especially if this role aligns with your career trajectory.