Category Manager

Summary

Join C.A. Fortune, a leading consumer brands agency, as a Category Manager and play a key role in driving growth for core and new product initiatives. You will leverage data analytics to optimize pricing, promotion, and distribution, and serve as an internal consultant to sales and top clients. This remote (or hybrid in Chicago) position requires strong analytical skills, experience in CPG sales and category management, and proficiency in market research tools. The role involves strategic leadership, analytical excellence, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve key performance objectives. C.A. Fortune offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a family-first culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 5+ years of CPG industry sales and category management experience (Natural/Specialty/Organic food and/or beverage preferred)
• High level of proficiency in SPINS, Nielsen and Circana (IRI) data
• In-depth experience in selling story development, category reviews & category management principals
• Well-honed analytical and highly advanced Excel & PowerPoint skills
• A proven record of driving efficiency across a team and/or organization
• Advanced communications skills, ability to clearly articulate complex concepts in a concise manner
• A demonstrated competency in multi-tasking and problem-solving with focus on meeting deadlines
• Strong analytical and strategic thinker; can turn self-developed strategies/efficient processes into execution
• Extremely organized and detail-oriented
• Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Define and implement an advanced business intelligence strategy aligned with the Insights Pillar vision, ensuring the function delivers actionable and measurable impact
• Support 1-5 top clients including reporting, retailer category reviews, client/retailer performance, etc
• 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
• 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
• Conduct post-promotional analyses to optimize future planning, ensuring programs deliver ROI and align with best practices
• Serve as a key insights partner to internal teams, fostering alignment across category management, sales, and marketing
• Continuously refine methodologies for reporting, distribution void identification, and opportunity gap quantification to drive efficiency and effectiveness

Benefits

• 16 days of PTO
• 11 paid company holidays per year
• 2 paid volunteer days per year
• Bonus eligible
• 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender)
• Medical, dental, and vision
• Paid company life insurance
• 401k with company match
• Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day)
• Work from home flexibility