Category Planning Manager

Job Description

Category Planning Manager

Newark, NJ

Hybrid (2-3 days in office)

This pivotal Category Manager role leads the execution of our product category oversight across our Global One M&M’s Ecosystem. This individual will determine how to most effectively forecast topline NSV$, margin and inventory, in alignment with delivering upon our financial objectives. This individual provides a business‑critical role for One M&Ms and will be a significant contributor in the company’s success.

• Serve as the business expert for the respective product category of ownership (ie Hardlines, Apparel, Chocolate).
• Lead the seasonal buy process and pre‑season planning for the respective product categories, ensuring the buys support the financial budget.
• Manage the monthly OTB process for the respective category(ies); re‑forecast sales, margin & inventory, and report business insights/trends to the broader Planning/Merchant teams, as well as the DMR community on a periodic basis.
• Provide coaching and oversight to Planning Analysist(s) to align on order and shipment forecasts and reconcile to OTB. Review/Release all purchase orders that exceed planner thresholds set by business.
• Partner with PD and Merch in leading Charter projection process for owned categories. Provide guidance to Planning Analysist(s) regarding new item introductions and associated SKU‑level projections/initial purchase volumes to support the charter work.
• Analyze product performance and recommend next actions surrounding replenishment, markdowns, and length of product life.
• Communicate regional and store‑level sales performance, business/inventory insights and action plans in weekly S&OE meeting inputs. Ensure alignment with Planning & Allocation Analyst before relaying risks/opportunities/actions for the respective categories.
• Create and distribute daily/weekly/monthly reporting as required (ie OTB output, W  Output, new store performance etc.).
• Manage associated promotions, markdowns, clearance as necessary for items within the respective product realm and coordinate with cross‑functional counterparts to execute (ie Store Ops, Merch, VM).
• Provide data mining and ad‑hoc analysis as needed for business reviews, presentations, and meetings with senior leadership.
• Independently develop new reporting methodologies to analyze the business.
• Partner with Analysts & Vendor Liaison regarding PO placement/replenishment strategies, delivery timing, vendor communication etc.
• Seek out cost/MOQ/case‑pack negotiation opportunities in partnership with Merch/PD.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Mathematics, Supply Chain or related field.
• ERP/SAP is preferred.
• Experience in omni‑channel retail planning, logistics, finance or operations preferred.
• Five years in Merchandise Financial Planning.
• 5+ years in Retail Replenishment and Allocation, Planning or other relevant function.
• Advanced skills in MS Office applications, particularly MS Excel.
• Experience with SAP, Warehouse Management Systems, Demand Planning AI Software (ie Relex) an asset.
• Extreme attention to detail and accuracy.
• Must be able to work independently with little to no supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all aspects of the business.
• Knowledge of overall supply‑chain/logistics best practices; includes international and domestic logistics movement experience considered an asset.

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose‑driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best‑in‑class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in‑house Mars University.
• An industry‑competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in a 401(k) plan, and paid time‑off benefits.

Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment. The pay range shown is applicable to all U.S. locations listed within the job posting: USD 86,720.00 – USD .