Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities and gaps for new or existing products in the category. Utilize the data to communicate the story of the strength of the category and brand.
• Implement and support development of the product category strategy, positioning, value proposition and roadmap, aligning with the company's overall goals and objectives.
• Become the subject matter expert/point of contact on assigned category, supporting training initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as Sales, R&D, and Operations, to deliver high-quality products that meet customer expectations and business requirements.
• Partner with Sales to support key customer initiatives and presentations to drive growth across the category.
• Manage the product portfolio, ensuring optimal mix and assortment across channels.
• Evaluate the performance of the products in the category, using data and metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Support pricing discussions and price lists for assigned product categories.
• Support promotion/programming (inclusive of digital assets), and placement of the products in the category, using market research and testing to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to seamlessly execute and commercialize product launches, utilizing established commercialization processes for both branded and private label.
• Stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the category and the industry and provide insights and recommendations to the management and the team.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or other related field.
• MBA or post graduate work in Marketing would be a plus.
• 3 years+ of experience in category management, brand marketing, and product management, or a similar role.
• Experience within Foodservice a MUST.
• Proven commercialization experience – bringing products and campaigns to market, including go-to-market strategy, product commercialization (packaging, item set up, pricing), launch execution, and post-launch performance tracking.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects from concept to execution, with clear communication to cross-functional stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient use of computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), and other related applications or software.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to use data and insights to drive results.
• Communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Creative, innovative, and customer-oriented mindset, with the passion and vision to create and launch successful products.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Works effectively and efficiently with diverse groups of associates and customers ranging from entry level to executive level positions.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Typical work in office environment.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Travel on an as-needed basis, which may vary depending on business requirements. (10%-15%)