About careerforge
Welcome to careerforge, a trailblazer in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) arena, where data-driven insight meets relentless innovation. Our mission is to empower retailers and suppliers with the intelligence they need to thrive in an ever‑evolving marketplace. From pioneering analytics platforms to cutting‑edge shopper research, careerforge is the partner of choice for brands that demand precision, agility, and measurable impact.
As a global leader, careerforge operates across North America, Europe, and Asia, serving a portfolio of high‑profile retailers and manufacturers. Our culture is built on curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We celebrate diversity, encourage bold thinking, and reward results that drive growth for our clients and our own organization.
Why This Role Matters
In the fast‑paced world of retail, the ability to translate raw data into actionable strategy is a competitive advantage. As the Senior Manager of Customer Development & Category Analytics, you will be the linchpin that connects careerforge’s analytical capabilities with the day‑to‑day needs of our retail partners. Your insights will shape product assortment, pricing, and promotional strategies that directly influence sales, margins, and market share.
Key Responsibilities
- Data Stewardship & Insight Generation: Curate and manage diverse data sources—including POS feeds, syndicated research, and proprietary account databases—to monitor vendor program execution and assortment performance.
- Stakeholder Communication: Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable narratives for audiences ranging from frontline merchandisers to executive leadership.
- Industry Benchmarking: Stay abreast of best practices in analytics across the CPG sector, and proactively recommend tools and methodologies that elevate careerforge’s service offering.
- Trend Analysis & Problem Solving: Identify anomalies, emerging trends, and performance gaps; develop root‑cause analyses and recommend corrective actions that drive measurable improvement.
- Performance Metrics & Goal Setting: Design, track, and report on category KPIs—sales, profit, margin, and market share—ensuring alignment with client objectives and internal benchmarks.
- Reporting & Presentation: Build polished, presentation‑ready dashboards and reports using Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools; deliver insights in scheduled business reviews.
- Supplier & Inventory Optimization: Evaluate supplier performance, recommend inventory strategies, and collaborate with supply‑chain partners to enhance fill‑rate and assortment quality.
- Consumer & Market Intelligence: Leverage shopper research and consumer insights to inform category growth strategies and support new product launches.
- Client Satisfaction & Team Collaboration: Champion a client‑centric mindset, providing deep analytics support and contributing to cross‑functional problem‑solving initiatives.
- Project & Priority Management: Balance multiple high‑impact projects in a dynamic environment, ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder alignment.
Essential Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Statistics, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of analytical experience within the CPG sector, with a focus on adult beverage or similar categories.
- Proven track record of translating multi‑source data into actionable business recommendations.
- Deep understanding of national chain sales, retail operations, and distributor dynamics.
- Expertise in category management principles, syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, IRI), and shopper/consumer insights.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, advanced formulas, VBA) and PowerPoint (storytelling, data visualization).
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills, coupled with a data‑driven mindset.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated leadership in cross‑functional teams, driving consensus and delivering results.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with household panel data and internal shipment analytics.
- Background in adult beverage or specialty beverage categories.
- Familiarity with careerforge’s proprietary analytics platform or similar tools.
- Experience working directly with retail partners and key suppliers.
- Knowledge of advanced analytics techniques (predictive modeling, segmentation, clustering).
Skills & Competencies
- Analytical Rigor: Ability to dissect complex datasets and uncover hidden patterns.
- Strategic Thinking: Translate data insights into long‑term category strategies.
- Communication Excellence: Craft compelling narratives that resonate with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Collaboration & Influence: Build strong relationships across sales, marketing, supply chain, and client teams.
- Adaptability: Thrive in a fast‑moving environment, pivoting priorities as market dynamics shift.
- Leadership: Mentor junior analysts and lead cross‑functional initiatives.
- Tech Savvy: Comfortable with data visualization tools, SQL, and analytics platforms.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
At careerforge, your professional development is a top priority. You will have access to:
- Structured mentorship programs with senior leaders in analytics and category strategy.
- Regular training on emerging analytics tools, data science techniques, and industry trends.
- Opportunities to lead high‑impact projects that shape careerforge’s service portfolio.
- Clear advancement pathways—from Senior Analyst to Director of Customer Development, and beyond.
- Cross‑functional rotations that broaden your skill set and expand your network.
Work Environment & Culture
Our remote‑first model empowers you to work from anywhere while staying connected through:
- Weekly virtual town halls and strategy sessions.
- Collaborative cloud platforms for real‑time data sharing.
- Monthly virtual team‑building events and quarterly in‑person retreats.
- A culture that values transparency, continuous feedback, and a healthy work‑life balance.
Compensation & Benefits
While specific salary ranges are competitive and commensurate with experience, careerforge offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and growth:
- Competitive base salary plus performance‑based bonuses.
- Health, dental, vision, and prescription drug insurance.
- Disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) plan with company match.
- Flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) options.
- Paid parental leave and generous vacation policy.
- Wellness program, including mental health resources and gym stipends.
- Tuition reimbursement for approved courses and certifications.
- Employee referral bonuses and recognition programs.
How to Apply
Ready to bring your analytical expertise to a forward‑thinking organization? Click the link below to submit your application and join careerforge’s dynamic team of data‑driven innovators.
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