<p>Category Development Manager - Kroger</p> <p>Indiana Packers Corporation (IPC) is a fully integrated retail, foodservice and private label producer of fresh and processed meats based in Delphi, Indiana. Since the start of operations in 1991, we have experienced rapid growth from a single pork processing company into a multi-plant diversified producer of fresh and processed meats, with locations throughout America's Heartland and revenues of approximately $1.5B. We are best known for our national brand Kentucky Legend (the best-selling boneless ham brand in the United States) as well as several well-known regional brands, including Indiana Kitchen, Fischer's, Field, Mickelberry's, Kentuckian Gold, and Scott Pete. We now have processing facilities in Frankfort, Indiana; Holland, Michigan; and Owensboro, Kentucky.</p> <p>We value diversity, innovation, collaboration and those passionate about their jobs. We support our associates by offering a total rewards package, including competitive pay, three different medical care plans (two with company-funded health savings accounts), pharmacy, dental, and vision plans, a retirement/401K (with 50% match on team members' contributions), a competitive paid time off program, educational assistance, and numerous advancement opportunities. With more than 3,100 team members located across 14 different states, we are a big company with a small company culture.</p> <p>This is a remote position, and selected candidate will be located in the Cincinnati, Ohio area.</p> <p>Position Summary:</p> <p>Reporting to the National Director of Marketing, this is a key role within the commercial team with responsibility for driving thought leadership and supporting IPC Food Group brand and sales initiatives at Kroger. This customer-facing role will be responsible for driving influence with Kroger across a variety of categories by partnering on category line reviews, identifying category growth opportunities and providing tailored recommendations. With a strong foundation in analytics and insights, this individual will translate data into meaningful and actionable insights that drive brand and category growth.</p> <p>Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>The Category Development Manager (CDM) is responsible for translating category management principles into action through data analytics and consumer / shopper insights </li><li>This position requires the individual to work directly supporting & building relationships with the Kroger customer team, to develop and execute category growth strategies, leveraging a broad and complex variety of data, tools and insights </li><li>The individual will provide high quality insights and analysis, leading to actionable assortment, shelving, and merchandising recommendations - in a timely and professional manner that exceeds the stakeholders' needs and expectations </li><li>Become a subject matter expert in the assigned category and provide thought leadership to customer </li><li>Perform strategic competitive analyses by category and brand to capture trends, opportunities and challenges for core business areas </li><li>Develop strategic business plans, vision, tactics and strategies for achieving category growth </li><li>Stay current on consumer trends for various retail channels </li><li>Use knowledge of the shopper and consumer to recommend optimal category assortments, flows, adjacencies, cross merch opportunities, etc. </li><li>Form a perspective on omni-channel purchasing behaviors (e.g. Brick & Mortar vs Ecommerce, Delivery, Pickup, etc.) </li><li>Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree (emphasis in business / marketing or related field preferred) </li><li>5+ years of experience with a leading CPG company (Category Management, Shopper Insights, Sales or related position) </li><li>Demonstrated knowledge of Category Management philosophies, tools and processes and proven record of success </li><li>Advanced analytical skills and experience transforming multiple sources of data into actionable insights for Category Growth </li><li>Required experience using 84.51 data and syndicated data sources such as NIQ or Circana </li><li>Ability to build strong sustainable business relationships at various levels within the customer </li><li>Prioritization and time management, an unwavering focus on delivering results </li><li>Ability to thrive in a learning environment, detail focus, and personal accountability </li><li>Experience with omnichannel analysis </li><li>Prefer experience working with multiple retailers as well </li></ul> <p>Work Environment:</p> <p>While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions on the site including exposure to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment can be loud and hearing protection is required. The position regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in cold, hot, and outdoor conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity, and exposure to dust.</p> <p>Physical Demand:</p> <p>The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.</p> <p>The position lifts heavy objects, walks and stands for long periods of time under adverse field conditions. The employee lifts, pushes, pulls, or carries objects; uses abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support without fatigue. The position requires good manual dexterity (hand, hand with arms and fingers, two hands) and multi-limb coordination. The position requires the ability to quickly move arms and legs. The employee must have excellent stamina and vision.</p> <p>EOE, including Disability/Veteran</p> <p>#LI-MB1</p> <p>IND123</p>