Title:  Director, Category Management

Grow with us as a Director, Category Management. As an integral part of the Kellanova team, you will be responsible for leading a dynamic and diversity-minded team, focused on the execution of category strategies, while creating joint value for Kellanova and the retailer. We are seeking top talent in Chicago and Grand Rapids, or other Eastern metropolitan market located near a major airport

You will align with customers’ priorities by implementing forward-thinking, omni-category strategies and gaining insights that extend beyond our categories and occasions. Additionally, you will develop strategic partnerships with customers, positioning yourself and the Kellanova team as industry thought leaders.

A Taste of What You’ll Be Doing  

• Develop Learning Agenda with Customer – Partner with the retailer by actively listening, identifying their needs and expectations, and utilizing all our company’s offerings to optimize the category.  You will develop and sustain collaborative relationships internally and externally, aligning on strategies to strengthen the business.
• Bring Occasion-Based Category Vision to Life - Finalizing exceptional execution plans will be key to your success as you see an initiative completed as planned.  You and your team will conduct key customer calls and promote a customer-centered culture that strives to exceed customer needs, requirements, and expectations – ensuring the success of each initiative.

• Strategic Planning and Leadership – Partner with the cross functional sales and strategy team to broaden the understanding of the shopper, consumer, and retailer to develop your strategic plan to drive category growth.
• Unlock Insights Through Data and Analytics – Identify business insights through robust analytics of the category, consumer, shopper, market, competitor, and customer information.  Your analytical skills will serve you well as you develop compelling and profitable business-building recommendations and lead your team in doing the same.
• Build Fact-Based, Measurable and Holistic Strategies – Identify and lead strategic customer-specific initiatives designed to deliver category growth.  You will present and negotiate on projects around product and placement, leveraging tools and resources to identify solutions to the shopper problem to solve.
• Empower and Develop Talent – Leverage the strengths of your team to overdeliver on customer expectations, all while fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and cross-functional experience that promotes team growth and contributes to a healthy and vibrant culture.

We’re Looking for Someone With

• Bachelor’s degree (strongly preferred) OR high school diploma/GED AND significant related experience
• Significant industry experience, in areas of category management, insights and/or sales.
• Previous experience communicating complex and/or detailed information to multiple individuals/audiences with differing knowledge levels, both in writing and verbally.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead and manage customer teams
• Experience negotiating and influencing large groups or high-level constituents or representatives of an organization.
• Proficiency using syndicated data (i.e. Nielsen, Circana), and retailer specific loyalty card data, shopper panel metrics
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Compensation

The annual salary range is $162,800 - $195,000, which is based on various factors such as location, experience and skill. Discretionary bonuses based on company and individual performance are also available.

What’s Next

Applications for this position will be accepted through January 17, 2025. After you apply, your application will be reviewed by a real recruiter, so it may take us a few weeks to get back with you by email or phone. Visit our How We Hire page to get insights into our hiring process and more about what we offer.

Need assistance throughout the application or hiring process? Email USA.Recruitment@Kellanova.com.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, employee assistance program, short-term disability coverage, and long-term disability insurance. Also, voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident as well as a 401(k) plan with company contributions is available. Part-time employees may have access to benefits on a pro-rated basis. See KellanovaTotalHealth.com for more information.

Get to Know Us

At Kellanova, we are driven by our vision to be the world’s best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our portfolio of iconic, world-class brands include Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.

Kellanova’s Culture of Best means we bring our best to all that we do in pursuit of our vision to be the world’s best performing snacks-led powerhouse. Our culture celebrates boldness and empowers our people to challenge the status quo, achieve results, and win together.

Our focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) enables us to build a culture of belonging where all employees have a place at the table and are inspired to share their passion, talents and ideas to work.

Mars has agreed to acquire Kellanova in a combination that will shape the future of snacking! The transaction is anticipated to close within the first half of 2025 (subject to Kellanova shareowner approval and other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals). The companies remain separate until closing.

You can learn more at www.futureofsnacking.com, and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.

Let’s shape the future of snacking.

Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, please visit our website here.