[Hiring] Category Manager @The Hershey Company

Role Description

The Category Manager, Digital Advisor serves as a strategic category management leader and trusted advisor to both internal stakeholders and Kroger partners. This role is responsible for developing and implementing digital and omnichannel category strategies that drive category growth, improve the shopper experience, and support both Hershey and Kroger business objectives.

• Develop and implement digital and omnichannel category strategies that support sales growth and category performance.
• Identify marketplace opportunities, emerging trends, and shopper needs that drive category growth.
• Partner with Kroger and internal teams to align category strategies with business objectives.
• Establish Hershey as a trusted category advisor and thought leader within the digital commerce space.

Shopper Insights & Analytics:

• Utilize syndicated data, shopper insights, retailer data, and advanced analytics to identify opportunities and inform recommendations.
• Analyze customer and shopper behavior to support category planning and promotional strategies.
• Translate data and insights into actionable business recommendations.
• Monitor category performance and recommend actions to optimize results.

Digital & Omnichannel Category Leadership:

• Partner with Kroger Digital teams to improve online category performance and shopper engagement.
• Develop strategies that connect physical and digital category experiences across fulfillment models.
• Support digital shelf initiatives and identify opportunities to improve assortment, visibility, and conversion.
• Influence digital category execution through insights, analytics, and strategic recommendations.

Retailer & Cross-Functional Partnership:

• Build strong relationships with Kroger decision makers and key stakeholders.
• Partner with Sales, Commerce Media, Shopper Marketing, Shopper Insights, and Customer teams to develop integrated category strategies.
• Support joint business planning discussions and category reviews.
• Influence stakeholders through data-driven insights and category expertise.

Category Leadership & Business Impact:

• Serve as a subject matter expert on category management, omnichannel retail, and shopper behavior.
• Lead complex category initiatives that drive measurable business results.
• Deliver recommendations that balance retailer objectives, shopper needs, and Hershey business goals.
• Share best practices and help elevate category management capabilities across the organization.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Category Management, CPG Sales, Retail Analytics, Shopper Insights, Digital Commerce, or related fields.
• Experience utilizing syndicated data, shopper insights, and category management methodologies.
• Experience partnering with retailers and influencing customer-facing business decisions.
• Omnichannel, digital commerce, or digital shelf experience preferred.

Requirements

• Strong category management and customer strategy expertise.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of shopper behavior, market research, and consumer trends.
• Ability to translate data and insights into actionable business recommendations.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with syndicated data and retailer analytics tools.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Understanding of digital commerce, omnichannel retail, and digital shelf fundamentals preferred.

Benefits

• Health & Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs that support your physical and mental health.
• Financial Security: Competitive pay, annual incentive opportunities, and a 401(k) with company match.
• Time Off & Flexibility: Paid time off, company holidays, and flexible ways of working where applicable.
• Growth & Development: Career development programs, learning opportunities, and internal mobility.

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $110,480 to $138,100 per year. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skill set, education, and training.