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