[Hiring] Director of Category Management @Flowers Foods

Role Description

The Director, Category Management leads the development and execution of category plans for assigned product categories, translating company objectives into actionable recommendations that support category growth and profitability. This role manages category managers and partners with sales, marketing, Revenue Growth Management, supply chain, and product development to improve assortment, pricing and promotion recommendations, and shelf execution. The Director, Category Management uses consumer and shopper insights, market trends, competitive intelligence, and retailer data to identify opportunities, guide customer-facing category work, and monitor results.

Responsibilities

• Category Strategy Development: Develop and execute plans for assigned categories within company strategy, integrating recommendations for assortment, pricing, promotions, distribution, and shelf placement (space quality and quantity). Present priorities and significant changes to the SVP, Chief Customer Officer for alignment and approval.
• Market Analysis & Insights: Guide category managers in using syndicated data (e.g., Circana), consumer research, shopper insights, and competitive intelligence to assess market size, growth drivers, priority segments, purchase drivers, usage occasions, and unmet needs. Evaluate competitors’ share, pricing, promotions, and offerings, translating findings into category recommendations and customer presentations.
• Retailer Collaboration: Manage category relationships with assigned retail partners, supporting joint business planning, leading category reviews, and recommending assortment, shelf, and promotional improvements that support mutual growth.
• Team Leadership & Development: Manage, coach, and develop category managers.
• Pricing & Promotion Strategy: Partner with Revenue Growth Management, develop data-driven pricing and promotional recommendations, support execution of approved plans, and evaluate results to improve profitability and competitive positioning.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate category initiatives with sales, marketing, Revenue Growth Management, supply chain, product development, and finance.

Qualifications

• At least 7-10 years of progressive experience in category management within the CPG industry, including at least 3 years managing teams or leading category initiatives.
• Strong working knowledge of category management principles, practices, and methodologies, with demonstrated ability to translate strategy into category and customer plans.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, Circana) and other market research tools.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with retail partners.
• Demonstrated people management and coaching skills, with experience setting priorities, developing team capabilities, and delivering category initiatives.
• Experience with space planning software is a plus.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Salary Range: $120,000 - $130,000.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and medical benefits.
• 401(k) Retirement savings plan.
• Professional growth and leadership training.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and parental leave.
• Benefits may vary depending on your work location.

EEO Statement

Flowers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Flowers encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or people of any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.