Category Insights Account Manager Hyattsville

Job Overview:

The Account Manager/Category Insights is responsible for developing and executing customer-focused category strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, and competitive advantage across assigned accounts.

This role combines category management, analytics, and customer-facing sales expertise to deliver tailored Category Business Plans (CBPs), optimize assortment, pricing, and promotions, and strengthen customer partnerships. The position serves as a key liaison across Sales, Merchandising, Marketing, and supplier partners to ensure alignment and execution of category initiatives.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

Category Business Planning

• Develop and execute Category Business Plans (CBPs) aligned with company objectives and customer strategies

• Translate national and regional initiatives into customer-specific plans and execution strategies

• Leverage syndicated data, shopper insights, and market trends to identify opportunities and risks

• Support the development of annual, quarterly, and periodic sales and category plans

Customer & Sales Partnership

• Serve as the category expert for assigned customers, partnering closely with Sales and Account Managers

• Participate in and support customer business reviews, providing data-driven insights and recommendations

• Identify customer needs and growth opportunities to expand category performance and share

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers to support long-term business growth

Financial Tools & Analysis

• Monitor sales, margin, and category performance against targets and forecasts

• Utilize financial tools and P&L reporting to evaluate performance and inform decisions

• Provide analysis and recommendations to improve profitability and optimize category performance

• Support budgeting and forecasting processes for assigned categories and customers

Promotions

• Plan and execute promotional strategies in collaboration with suppliers, brokers, and internal teams

• Evaluate promotional effectiveness and adjust plans to improve ROI

• Customize national programs to align with customer-specific needs and opportunities

• Support communication of promotional plans to sales teams for execution

Resets, Shelf Management & Assortment

• Optimize product assortment based on customer needs, performance data, and market trends

• Support planogram development, category resets, and merchandising strategies

• Collaborate with sales and field teams to ensure strong in-store execution

• Conduct store visits and category reviews to validate strategy and identify opportunities

Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a point of contact for suppliers and brokers for assigned categories

• Support negotiations, promotional planning, and vendor partnerships

• Collaborate with internal teams across Sales, Marketing, Analytics, and Merchandising

• Provide category expertise, training, and insights to internal stakeholders

People & Project Leadership

• Independently manage multiple initiatives and priorities in a matrixed environment

• Lead cross-functional projects and coordinate execution across teams

• Demonstrate strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in Category Management, Sales, or Merchandising

• Category management experience with proven performance utilizing syndicated data (e.g., IRI, Nielsen/Circana, or similar data sources) to deliver actionable insights and drive business results

• Experience working with retail customers and managing category performance

• Proven track record of driving sales growth and margin improvement

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Strong understanding of category management principles and consumer behavior

• Ability to analyze and interpret data to drive business decisions and performance

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively

• Experience working cross-functionally in a matrixed organization

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills

• Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

• Experience with syndicated data platforms and category management tools

• Ability to think strategically while executing tactically

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement category plans that drive results

• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Hybrid Role:

• This position follows a hybrid schedule working in office 4 days per week. The acceptable split between onsite and remote work is determined by the manager. Hybrid associates may choose to work from an office on a more frequent basis than required.

Travel (minor):

• This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.