Associate Category Manager

Associate Category Manager at Buyers Support Group Associate Category Manager at Buyers Support Group in Minneapolis, Minnesota Posted in 10 days ago.

Type:

full-time

Job Description:

Associate Category Manager - Target Category Management Team About the

Role:

Join our dynamic Category Management team as an Associate Category Manager, where you'll play a pivotal role in driving category growth, optimizing assortments, and delivering actionable insights that fuel sales and strategic success. With a focus on Target and other key retail partners, you'll lead category initiatives with autonomy, collaborate cross-functionally, and mentor emerging talent-all while thriving in a fast-paced, innovative retail environment. This full-time position offers the opportunity to own high-impact work, leverage cutting-edge tools, and contribute to winning strategies that shape the shelf and drive business results.

What You'll Do:

• Independently Lead and Drive Categories
• Deliver timely weekly reporting, performance dashboards, and ad-hoc analyses using retailer data (e.g., Target) and industry sources
• Master transition timing, processes, and execution to ensure seamless category updates
• Create compelling, sales-driving Planograms (POGs) using JDA/Space Planning tools, with a strong eye for visual merchandising and shopper appeal
• Own category review timelines, insights generation, and recommendations to optimize assortment, shelf space, and performance
• Partner with Category Managers
• Collect, synthesize, and analyze data from diverse sources (syndicated, POS, consumer insights) to uncover trends and report on category health
• Leverage market tools, competitive intelligence, and in-store/online research to inform strategic recommendations
• Support the team's mission: delivering winning assortments, compelling aesthetics, optimized shelf space, and profitable growth
• Mentor and Develop Talent
• Guide and train new Category Analysts on best-in-class methods, processes, and tools
• Serve as a key resource for sharing knowledge, demonstrating analytical excellence, and fostering a collaborative team culture

What We're Looking For:

• 2 to 5 years of experience in category management, retail analytics, or a related analyst role (experience with Target is a strong plus)
• Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data modeling) and PowerPoint for storytelling and presentations
• Hands-on experience with space planning tools like JDA/Blue Yonder, plus familiarity with retail data sources and analytical techniques
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable business insights
• High energy, positive attitude, and proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and multitasking skills across projects and deadlines
• Comfort working independently while collaborating effectively in a team setting
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, Marketing, Analytics, or a related field (or equivalent experience-we prioritize demonstrated skills and impact)

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with omnichannel retail trends, consumer behavior analysis, or promotional planning
• Knowledge of additional tools (e.g., syndicated data platforms, visualization software)
• Passion for retail innovation, visual merchandising, and driving sales through data Why Join Us?
• Be part of a collaborative, high-performing team that values creativity, initiative, and work-life balance
• Opportunity for professional growth, including mentoring others and owning strategic projects
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and a culture that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and innovative thinking
• Work on meaningful initiatives that directly impact retail success and customer experiences We're building an inclusive team and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

If you're excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn't perfectly align with every qualification, we still want to hear from you-your unique perspective could be exactly what we need!