Sr. Category Development Analyst

Dole Packaged Foods is a purpose-led health and wellness organization that “champions a more equitable world.” A world where everyone has the right to nutrition from the goodness of the earth and we reduce these gaps, one action at a time.

The Senior Category Development Analyst supports the Category Development team for the purpose of developing category-selling presentations by analyzing trade programs, market information, shopper insights, panel and other data to tell a story armed with facts. The position will employ multiple data sources including Circana (IRI), internal data, consumer insights, and customer-specific information (Ex 84.51, Retail Link, Mintel, and dunnhumby), to proactively identify segment and competitive trends, highlighting category and Dole opportunities.

This role will be home-office based. Preferred location is in the Eastern Time Zone. Other states that can be considered are AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, and WI.

• Pulls, analyzes, and interprets data on category sales, market trends, customer behavior, shopper insights or other performance indicators with the goal of maximizing sales and profits.
• Presents findings to field sales teams, senior leadership, and customer along with recommendations for product mix, distribution strategy, pricing or promotional plans, and in-store shelf placement or merchandising activities.
• Use Circana (IRI), internal and Customer-specific data to proactively identify segment trends, competitive trends and Dole opportunities. Chief storyteller to interpret data into actionable recommendations. Be able to move from data to insights to action.
• Sample presentations include SKU optimization, brand optimization, category performance, etc.
• Develop account presentations to assist sales team to achieving their objectives.
• Researching the role that the category plays in driving foot traffic, sales volume, and profitability for the retailer (e.g., low price leader for certain items, higher price for others, highest quality or best selection for certain categories, etc.).
• Monitoring and reviewing manufacturer and retailer performance against category targets.
• Data lead for monthly period reviews in assigned categories.
• Other duties as assigned.
• At least 4 years of experience in Category Development or customer development work.
• Strong familiarity with the issues and processes involved in selling to the retail grocery, club, eComm and mass merchandise trade.
• Strong experience utilizing panel and other sources of data to create selling stories.
• Solid experience with financial elements of business, syndicated data, and general analytics.
• Previous success with championing recommendations to leadership.
• Intermediate to Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills. Strong spreadsheet abilities are important.
• Familiarity with Circana’s (IRI’s) Unify platform.
  
  
  

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Highly proactive problem solver.
• Analytical skills using both quantitative and qualitative techniques.
• Must enjoy working independently in a fast-paced analytic environment yet team-focused while aligning with key stakeholders.
• Good at motivating and persuading many types of people. Strong comfort level in presenting to small and large groups of people.
• Attention to detail.
• Initiative.
• Strong organizational skills. Able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while meeting timelines.
  
  
  

Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field.
• If no degree, 6+ years in a CPG sales or category management role required.
  
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and use the computer for extended periods of time; ability to answer phones and use a variety of office equipment; ability to lift 15 pounds and reach.
  
  
  

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel required.
  
  
  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

FOR JOBS BASED IN CALIFORNIA

Hiring Pay Scale $85,000.00 to $105,000.00

Dole Packaged Foods is committed to paying our Associates fairly and equitably. The pay rate offered will consider a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, accomplishments, and location. Pay scales are subject to review on a regular basis and will be updated as appropriate.