Category Analyst - CPG Grocery

This position is #Hybrid working out of our Mississauga office 3 days a week. 

This role transforms category, shopper, retailer, and market data into clear insights and actionable recommendations that drive business decisions.

You will develop compelling category stories that identify trends, growth opportunities, and risks while influencing category strategy, assortment, shelving, pricing, promotions, and retail space decisions.

Space planning is a key component of the role. Hands-on experience with JDA Space Planning (Blue Yonder) is required, including building and analyzing planograms and translating shelves and space performance into actionable recommendations.

• Dig into category, shopper, retailer, and market data to spot the trends, risks, and opportunities others might miss, and get to the "so what" behind them, not just report facts.
• Use Nielsen, Circana, Retail Link, LDIA, Dunnhumby, and other sources to build a complete, connected view of the category instead of isolated data points.
• Build category reviews that link data to clear, actionable recommendations, not just the obvious, and tailor the story to your audience (e.g., a buyer, a client, or a senior leader). 
• Guide assortment, shelving, merchandising, pricing, and promotion decisions with practicalrecommendations tied to business results.
• Build, review, and analyses planograms using JDA Space Planning (Blue Yonder) and connect space, assortment and shelf recommendations that work for both the retailer and the brand.
• Present to internal teams, clients, and retail partners with confidence, handle questions, and keep the conversation focused on decisions and outcomes.

Education:  

• Post-secondary education or equivalent experience; Business Diploma or Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Work Experience:

• 3+ years of Category Management experience in Canadian CPG, preferably food/grocery. 
• Strong working knowledge of syndicated and retailer data sources such as Nielsen, Circana, Retail Link, LDIA, and Dunnhumby.

• Strong storytelling capability, with demonstrated experience turning complex category and shopper data into clear insights and actionable recommendations.

• Hands-on experience with JDA Space Planning (Blue Yonder) is required, including experience building, modifying and analyzing planograms and translating space findings into recommendations.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Key Power BI skills. 

Physical Requirements 

• Sit for extended periods (typically 6+ hours per day).
• Use a computer, including keyboard and mouse, for prolonged periods.
• Lift and carry light items (e.g., files, office supplies, laptops, typically 20+ pounds).
• Reach, bend, or stoop occasionally to access files or office materials.
• Maintain focus and attention for long periods of desk-based work.
• Follow clear directions.
• Perform repetitive motions (e.g., typing, clicking) consistently throughout the day.

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