Category Marketing Associate (Marketing Specialist) 

Position Overview

This role is responsible for a variety of marketing activities, with a primary focus on product commercialization, package design coordination, database and system management, reporting, pricing, and performance analysis. The position also provides day-to-day support for the Category Marketing team to ensure smooth operations and effective execution of marketing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the commercialization process of new and reformulated products, including formula approvals, packaging changes, production scheduling, and margin management.

• Coordinate package design update projects, customer portals, and related forms.

• Conduct cross-system data audits to ensure data consistency and alignment with GDSN/GS1 and PLM specifications, maintaining customer compliance.

• Use insights and data to provide recommendations that support integrated marketing plans, innovation, activations, and market initiatives.

• Assist with management of external agency partners in the execution of digital/media campaigns and advertising strategies.

• Support pricing and contract management through pricing renewals and cost analysis.

• Coordinate internal system updates during sales region/broker changes; maintain terms and brokerage levels for all products within the assigned category.

• Assist in managing product spec sheets and promotional elements such as POS materials, coupons, and shippers.

• Process vendor invoices related to marketing data governance.

• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Category Marketing Manager and overall marketing team.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Marketing preferred.

• Valid driver’s license.

Experience

• 1–3 years of marketing experience, preferably within the food manufacturing industry.

• Strong understanding of marketing principles, strategies, and techniques.

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with internal teams and external partners.

• Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Skills & Abilities

• Proficient to advanced skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Strong analytical, creative, and problem-solving abilities.

• Familiarity with SAP or similar systems; project management experience a plus.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments, including Sales, Cost Accounting, Operations, Purchasing, R&D, Quality Assurance, and IT.

• Skilled at building interdepartmental relationships and influencing without direct authority.

• Self-starter with a “hands-on” mindset and the ability to quickly learn new systems and processes.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None