Category Manager

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.

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.

• As a Category Manager at C.A., you will play an important role in maintaining the go-to-market analytics designed to support, track, and grow core and new product initiatives for all retailers and channels. They will provide the analytics and insights needed to optimize pricing, promotion, distribution, and shelf placement as well as participate in business review analyses. The position will maintain value-added and actionable category management tools, incorporating customer learning and strategic brand insights that will guide sales and the client to achieve key performance objectives.
  
  This position will perform as if they are an internal consultant and trusted advisor to our sales organization as well as our top clients.
• Location:
  
  Schaumburg, IL – hybrid schedule, 3 days in office.
• Salary: $95,000–$105,000 based on experience, qualifications and skills.
• Travel Requirements: 10–20% to present to clients.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Define and implement an advanced business intelligence strategy aligned with the Insights Pillar vision, ensuring the function delivers actionable and measurable impact. In addition, support 1–5 top clients including reporting, retailer category reviews, client/retailer performance, etc.
• Analytical Excellence:
  Drive proficiency in key analytical tools and methodologies, optimizing how the team leverages SPINS, Nielsen, IRI, Mintel, and other data sources to uncover business opportunities.
• Category & Business Insights:
  • Develop and execute category management strategies aligned with client KPIs and best-in‑class merchandising principles.
  • Create fact‑based category reviews, business reviews, and selling stories that integrate shopper, distributor, syndicated, and consumer insights to drive informed decision‑making.
  • Lead and present business reviews and strategic recommendations to clients and retailers, influencing go‑to‑market strategies and shelf‑space optimization.
  • Partner with sales teams to develop and deliver compelling account presentations on new items, share of shelf, and efficient assortment strategies.
• Performance & Promotional Analytics:
  Conduct post‑promotional analyses to optimize future planning, ensuring programs deliver ROI and align with best practices.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Serve as a key insights partner to internal teams, fostering alignment across category management, sales, and marketing.
• Process Optimization:
  Continuously refine methodologies for reporting, distribution void identification, and opportunity gap quantification to drive efficiency and effectiveness.

• Bachelor’s Degree plus 5+ years of CPG industry experience, preferably in Natural/Specialty/Organic food and beverage.
• Data & Analytics Mastery:
  • Advanced proficiency in SPINS (Satori), Nielsen, IRI, and other data platforms.
  • Expertise in selling story development, category reviews, and category management principles.
  • Highly advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills to support data storytelling.
• Strategic & Critical Thinking:
  Ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights and drive strategic recommendations.
• Process Efficiency & Innovation:
  Track record of implementing scalable processes to improve reporting, analytics, and team productivity.
• Exceptional Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong ability to translate data‑driven insights into clear, compelling narratives for both internal and…