Category Manager, Kroger

Imagine…working for a company that knows that its people are the key to its success in the marketplace. A company in which achieving extraordinary results and having a stimulating work experience are part of the same process. 

We cultivate and embrace a diverse employee population. We recognize that people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives fuel our growth and enrich our global culture. 

We are looking for an individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, likes to be challenged, and values the opportunity to make a difference. 

General Summary: 

As a member of the Campbell Snacks Category Management Team, the Kroger Category Manager will be responsible for driving both strategic and tactical thought leadership with the retailer. This role is accountable for delivering against team growth objectives, partnering on category reviews, leading monthly performance tracking, and serving as a trusted advisor to Kroger. 

The individual will collaborate closely with key retailer decision-makers to align on business priorities, identify insight needs, and uncover whitespace opportunities that advance Campbell Snacks’ strategic partnership with Kroger. Proficiency in point-of-sale data and analytical tools is essential to developing clear, actionable category recommendations and achieving success in this role.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Proactively develop collaborative relationships with Kroger to be viewed as a trusted resource for category insights and objective growth opportunities 

• Actively advise retailer partners on category and shopper-centric opportunities to grow market share 

• Support the development of category strategy and assist the customer with integrated category strategy development 

• Support strategic and tactical recommendations on Distribution, Shelving, Merchandising, and Pricing (DSMP) goals to improve overall category performance 

• Build multi-year category growth strategies aligned to Kroger business objectives and Campbell Snacks brand priorities 

• Identify category white space opportunities and provide actionable recommendations to the Kroger buying team 

Insights & Analytics 

• Mine syndicated data (Circana/IRI, Nielsen) and retailer-specific 84.51° Stratum / OnDemand data to generate category-level insights and performance reporting  

• Conduct shopper segmentation, basket analysis, and purchase behavior studies using 84.51° Stratum 

• Build compelling, story-driven presentations with clear data visualization 

• Develop customer-specific presentations of relevant consumer insights, competitive responses, and new item/category selling strategies  

• Lead comprehensive planogram insights and assortment analysis to identify and drive strategic sales opportunities  

• Use JDA/Blue Yonder space management tools to create compliant, shopper-centric planograms  

• Actively lead and participate in line reviews, recurring customer category reviews, JBP plans, and Top-to-Top meetings  

• Align closely with the Campbell Snacks Kroger Sales team to integrate category insights into joint business planning (JBP) processes  

• Develop strong working relationships with category leadership, buyers, and cross-functional departments 

JOB COMPLEXITY 

• The Kroger Category Manager will work with buyers, insights teams, and senior leaders with the goal of driving strategic category direction. This role requires professionalism, executive presence, and the ability to balance customer and Campbell Snacks priorities daily 

• Works with cross-functional groups including the retailer, internal customer team(s), and World HQ resources 

What you bring to the table... (Must have)

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or related field required; MBA preferred 

• 4+ years of CPG sales, category management, or data analytics experience 

• Experience working directly with Kroger or a comparable top 10 retailer preferred 

• Proficiency in syndicated data platforms: Circana (IRI) and/or Nielsen/NielsenIQ 

• Experience with loyalty card data platforms (e.g., 84.51° Stratum, dunnhumby, EYC, etc) 

• Hands-on experience with space management/POG software (JDA/Blue Yonder, Apollo, ProSpace, or equivalent); ability to create and draw planograms 

• Ability to synthesize multiple data sources to develop clear, concise category stories and selling presentations; strong strategic storytelling skills 

• Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail; excels at math, analytics, and problem-solving 

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills (written and verbal); comfortable presenting to senior buyer teams and internal leadership 

• High degree of self-motivation, organization, and discipline; able to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment 

• Strong technical skills in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint; experience with Tableau or Power BI a plus 

• Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and build relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders 

Working Conditions: 

• This is a hybrid position working from the Campbell Snacks local office three (3) days a week (Sharonville, OH) and Home Office two (2) days a week 

• Collaborative relationships and team focus are vital to the success of this role. 

• Approximately 10% travel is required for customer & team meetings 

This role reports directly into the Team Lead, Kroger. 

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law. 

In that regard, U.S. applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.