Senior Category Manager
Ornua Co-operative Limited - Evanston, Illinois, us, 60208
Work at Ornua Co-operative Limited
Overview
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Overview
Category Team Lead, Ornua Foods North America Inc Location:
Chicago Area Company Background: Ornua is a dairy co-operative which sells dairy products on behalf of its members, Irelands dairy processors, and, in turn, Irish dairy farmers. It is Irelands largest exporter of Irish dairy products, exporting to 110 countries worldwide. Headquartered in Dublin, Ornua has annualized sales of over 3.5 billion and a global team of 3,000 employees. Ornua Foods North America Inc is based in Evanston, Illinois, and we market and sell Kerrygold butter and cheese in the North American and LATAM markets. We are the number two butter brand in the US and number one in the specialty cheddar cheese market. Dynamic Working: Ornua has a Dynamic Working policy in place which facilitates flexible hours and hybrid working. Key Areas of Responsibility: Lead the development of category growth strategies, utilizing shopper and retail insights, competitive analysis, and market data. Serve as the primary category expert and advisor for key US retail partners, providing strategic guidance on product assortment, pricing, placement, and promotional activities. Conduct in-depth analysis of consumer behavior, market trends, and sales performance using syndicated data sources (e.g. Circana, Nielsen) to identify growth opportunities. Develop actionable insights to drive category performance and retail partnerships. Lead cross-functional teams in the execution of category management projects, ensuring timelines and objectives are met. Partner with Marketing, Finance, and Sales to understand the commerciality of key decisions regarding the Kerrygold portfolio and special projects as assigned. Develop powerful sell-in stories (in collaboration with the Sales and Innovation teams) grounded in category, shopper, and consumer insights to secure listings of Kerrygold innovation and expansion of current assortment distribution. Support delivery of reporting for total business and critical segments (butter, cheese). Present category performance and drivers to the Exec team each period. Manage vendors to ensure accurate data and quality of service (e.g. Circana, Nielsen, Stratum). Key requirements: Previous experience in a Category role, ideally with 5+ years of FMCG experience. Undergraduate degree in an analytical or research field. Highly numerate with strong analytical skills and proven ability to deliver actionable insight. Able to articulate data concepts to a non-expert audience. Advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills. Advanced use of Circana/Nielsen (POS and Panel). Experience solving problems independently and working well as a part of a team. Commercially aware with flexibility to travel to customer meetings as required. Knowledge of joint business planning and shopper marketing processes. Expertise: Applies effective professional skill, analysis, decision-making, planning, and reviewing. Communicative: Communicates confidently, adapting style for different situations. Forward Looking: Responds positively to change and looks ahead to anticipate tasks. Working Together: Is supportive, co-operative, and inclusive. Total Rewards at Ornua Foods North America will include a competitive salary and annual bonus scheme. The following are a list of other benefits: low employee contribution for Medical, Vision, and Dental benefits cover; 401k; Paid Time Off; Maternity Leave (20 weeks); Parental Leave; Flexible working; Fitness Reimbursement; Charity Donation; Complimentary Kerrygold products; Free car parking and secure bicycle storage; Free healthy snacks and drinks in the office; Reward & Recognition program; Volunteering opportunities; Long Service Awards. The salary range begins at $97,200 and the candidate will be offered a salary commensurate with their level of experience. Ornua Foods North America Inc is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS: 03/14/2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr