Sr. Category Manager JLB

About JLB

JLB is an award-winning retail consulting firm that is passionate about helping brands succeed at Target and Target win in the Marketplace. More than a traditional broker, we offer tailored solutions across Sales, Strategy, Category Management, Insights, Digital, Shopper Marketing, and more — helping brands thrive at one of the world’s most innovative retailers.

The Team
Our Category Management Service at Target serves as a pivotal resource for the Target buying team, offering flawless day-to-day support and are entrusted with direct access to Target’s internal systems. This role is exclusively dedicated to Target, representing a collaborative and strategic partnership that seamlessly integrates with the Target buying team. The Category Manager is an experienced trusted advisor providing thought leadership and strategy direction with analytically based actionable insights addressing business goals and challenges.

The Role
The Sr. Category Manager works largely independent on their assigned category/categories of increased in complexity, servicing mid to high-level buyers. Complexities in categories may be driven by the number of times a category transitions/revises, segmentation strategy, the digital strategy, the competitive retailers, and the off-shelf activity. They are responsible for maintaining ownership of the relationship with Target buyers and Directors, delivering insights & recommendations through comprehensive in-store and online analyses. They must develop unbiased storytelling through data analysis of competitive business trends, and a deep understanding of shopping behaviors to drive strategy and optimize the category at Target.

They expertly manage the entire category transition process from initiation to completion with meticulous attention to detail and unwavering accuracy in the planogram process to result in flawless execution and enhanced planogram productivity. They assist the Category Management Leadership Team with strategy work. Additionally, they contribute internally through supplemental project support as needed and play a significant role in the training and development of the broader team.

Essential Responsibility

• Relationships: Independently manages day-to-day relationships with Target and cross-functional teams: including merchant, business analyst, inventory analyst, space & transition planning & pricing promo team, and developing relationships with Director merchant. Leads preparation and execution of client meetings, including weekly updates and ad hoc sessions, while driving collaborative problem-solving discussions. Provides strategic recommendations grounded in a deep understanding of category trends and client needs.
• Reporting: Owns the end-to-end reporting process, combining advanced data analytics with a deep understanding of business drivers. Integrates multiple data sources to deliver detailed weekly reports and strategic insights that highlight performance trends, opportunities, and risks. Incorporates insights on sales, promotions, inventory in multiple roll ups like brand, vendor, subcategory, and item. Develops and manages custom attributes, enabling deeper analysis and providing valuable insights into business performance. Supports ad hoc reporting needs, proactively identifying relevant data points to address client questions and guide decisions.
• Marketplace Insights/Competitive Shops: Manages in-depth analyses of competitive marketplace and retailer trends, including merchandising, pricing, brand, and SKU selection. Produces comprehensive reports on market share, competitive retailer performance, and industry trends. Identifies and capitalizes on emerging trends, opportunity items, promotional themes, and merchandising strategies. Provides strategic recommendations to Target merchant team.
• Category & Seasonal Reviews: Executes category and seasonal review utilizing some pre-established templates and creating custom outputs for their business. Gains a deep understanding of client strategies and analyzes sales, space-to-sales, consumer behavior, and basket drivers, segmentation, pricing tiers, assortment gaps, white space, and merchandising. Provides actionable insights and strategic recommendations to enhance category performance and productivity. Is successful at synthesizing to create executive summaries and key recommendations summaries independently. Effectively presents to the client, utilizing advanced presentation techniques to convey complex data and insights, fostering client understanding and buy-in.
• Planogram Process: Own the transition & revision planogram process from start to finish. This includes managing T&A, confirming item images & attributes, merchandise planning, SVP walk-through support, planogram optimization and writing all planogram versions. Analyze merchandising and assortment to influence strategy. Develop strategic planograms that align with business objectives and enhance customer experience. Efficiently writes up to 1,000 planograms, store ties, fixture placement, signage, and proofing.
• Digital Support: Manages the development of comprehensive digital performance reports and seasonal analyses. Conducts in-depth analysis of channel sales performance, search behavior, purchasability, and site content and experience. Collaborates with internal digital category experts to identify correct tools to use for a business question before developing custom outputs. Develops and presents to Target strategic recommendations based on data analysis to support business objectives and improve digital performance.
• Macro & Micro Trends: Research trends and utilize internal resources to gain comprehensive insights. Identify emerging trends and apply these to current and forward-thinking category initiatives. Share insights and presentations that are applicable to other categories at JLB to create efficiency and knowledge sharing.

Minimum Qualifications

Education Level: (Required) bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as Business, Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related discipline.

Field of Study/Area of Experience:

8+ years of experience in retail or brand background is a must.

5+ years of relatable Category Advisor or Captainship is highly preferred but not required.

Planogram building (JDA/Blue Yonder) a must.

Target specific Category Management experience.

Proficient in diverse tasks including reporting & analytics, setting planograms, planogram writing, creating presentations, and adept presentation delivery. Skilled in synthesizing multiple/extensive resources to craft compelling narratives and actionable insights, with a deep understanding of merchandising strategies and the ability to leverage and apply substantial datasets effectively.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Strategic Thinker: Deep understanding of business strategy with the ability to synthesize data, trends, and insights into actionable recommendations aligned with long-term growth.
• Highly Organized: Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and coordinate across teams with precision and efficiency.
• Advanced Analytical Skills: Expert in evaluating complex data sets and using tools to generate clear, actionable insights.
• Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to data accuracy and integrity, especially in tools like JDA and other planning systems.
• Tool Proficiency: Skilled in Excel, PowerPoint, JDA, POS systems, and market insights platforms (e.g., Kantar, Mintel, Numerator), as well as Target-specific tools.
• Customer Service Focused: Prioritizes clear communication and responsiveness to drive customer satisfaction.
• Self-Starter: Proactive, results-driven, and solutions-oriented with a strong commitment to continuous improvement.

Job Will Remain Open Until Filled

The Company is one of North America’s leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management, and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers, and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics, and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.

Essential Responsibility

• Relationships: Manage relationships with client (Target) teams for their businesses: including Senior Merchant, Director Merchant, business analyst, inventory analyst, space & transition planning & pricing promo team. This includes active participation in weekly business unit meetings with Target, preparation & presentation for running weekly Category Manager meetings with Target, attending ad hoc Target meetings. Must come to meetings with an in-depth knowledge of weekly category and industry findings and be an active listener for how we can support current business needs. Serves as a trusted advisor and coach to junior team members, driving their professional development, enhancing their skill sets, and cultivating a culture of continuous learning and knowledge-sharing.
• Reporting: Owns the end-to-end reporting process, combining advanced data analytics with a deep understanding of business drivers. Integrates multiple data sources to deliver detailed weekly reports and strategic insights that highlight performance trends, opportunities, and risks. Incorporates insights on sales, promotions, inventory in multiple roll ups like brand, vendor, subcategory, and item. Develops and manages custom attributes, enabling deeper analysis and providing valuable insights into business performance. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to provide actionable recommendations. Is proactive at identifying and creating ad hoc reporting based on the needs of the business.
• Marketplace Insights/Competitive Shops: Analyze competitive marketplace and retailer trends including merchandising, pricing, brand and sku selection. Report on market share, competitive retailer performance, and industry trends. Identify emerging trends, opportunity items, pricing gaps, promotional themes, and merchandising recommendations. Synthesizing data and visuals into digestible and insight driven presentations for the Target merchant team. Also supports the Associate Director in analyzing larger floorpad competitive comparison such as the categories space allocation for a total division compared to competition.
• Category & Seasonal Reviews: Gain a deep understanding of client (Target) strategies and complete deep dives into the following: sales, space to sales, consumer & guest insight/behavior and basket drivers, category segmentation, pricing tiers, assortment gaps and white space. Develop top impacts for underperforming items & segments along with recommendations for maximizing productivity. Is successful at synthesizing to create executive summaries and key recommendations summaries independently. Effectively presents to the client, leveraging expert communication skills to deliver compelling and persuasive presentations that drive strategic client decisions and long-term partnerships.
• Planogram Process: Own the transition & revision planogram process from start to finish. This includes managing T&A, confirming item images & attributes, merchandise planning, SVP walk-through support, planogram optimization and writing all planogram versions. Proactively analyzes and prepares strategic recommendations to influence planogram version strategy and segmentation strategies. Aligns planograms to business objectives that enhance the customer's experience. Writing all planogram versions includes managing up to 2,000 planograms, store ties, fixture placement, signage and proofing. Provides guidance and mentorship to junior team members and collaborates with senior leadership to drive continuous improvement. May also build other categories to cover co-workers time off or maternity leaves.
• Digital Support: Creates comprehensive reporting and seasonal reporting to analyze the business from a digital perspective. Analysis focuses on channel sales performance and behavior, search, purchasability and site content and experience. Leverages advanced digital tools and resources to generate competitive insights. Provides strategic recommendations to client (Target) and cross-functional teams, driving digital strategy and performance improvements. Supports junior members by creating templates for the team for digital reporting and mentoring in digital acumen.
• Macro & Micro Trends: Research trends, utilizing both internal and external resources to gain deep insights. Identifies and evaluates emerging trends, integrating these insights into strategic category initiatives. Effectively identify changes in the market and synthesize insights into meaningful recommendations. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure trend insights are effectively applied to drive category growth and innovation.
• Leader in the Category Management Team Space: Provide thought partnership and assist junior team members in creating analyses and insights. Lead the development and dissemination of training materials, process improvements, and efficiency tips. Mentor and coach team members, fostering professional growth and strong team relationships. Conduct formal training sessions and workshops to enhance team skills and capabilities. Share knowledge and best practices with the team through both informal and formal channels, driving continuous improvement and innovation.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct Reports
- This position does not have supervisory responsibilities for direct reports

Indirect Reports
- Does not have direct reports, but may delegate work of others and provide guidance, direction and mentoring to indirect reports

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Strategic: Possesses a profound understanding of business strategy, initiatives, and processes. Driven by curiosity and self-motivation, this individual delves deeply to develop well-informed opinions. They have the unique ability to synthesize their findings with insights and trends, transforming them into actionable recommendations. They identify innovative ideas and provide clear direction for the category, aligning with Target’s vision for both short-term gains and long-term growth.
• Organized Excellence: Exceptionally organized with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet all deadlines. This individual proactively understands and anticipates deliverables from 2-3 buying teams and internal company needs, ensuring all workstreams are executed in a timely and efficient manner. Their meticulous planning and prioritization skills enable them to coordinate complex projects seamlessly, maintaining high standards of productivity and precision across all tasks.
• Advanced Analytical Expertise: Demonstrates superior analytical skills by objectively evaluating multiple data sources to solve complex problems. Utilizes a range of tools, techniques, and business inquiries to generate comprehensive and insightful presentations. Their ability to distill vast amounts of information into clear, actionable insights underscores their proficiency in data analysis and strategic thinking.
• Detail-Oriented Precision: Exhibits exceptional attention to detail in data attribution and maintaining data accuracy. Possesses the keen ability to identify discrepancies and flaws in data, as well as in Space Planning (JDA). Their meticulous approach ensures the integrity and reliability of all data-related processes, contributing to seamless and efficient operations.
• Expert in resources: Proficient in the following tools & resources: Market Insights/Competitive Retail, Syndicated Data, Panel Data, Excel, Power Point, JDA (Merchandising), POS systems, Kantar, Mintel, Numerator, and Target specific tools (Vendor IQ, Partners Online, Domo, CKS)
• Exceptional Customer Service: Demonstrates outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, delivering concise, professional, and timely responses to clients, Target buyers, cross-functional partners, and internal team members. Their ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders ensures seamless collaboration and exceptional service, fostering strong relationships and enhancing overall satisfaction. Their commitment to excellence in customer service reflects a deep understanding of the importance of clear and responsive communication in driving business success.
• Unwavering Commitment: Exemplifies self-motivation and proactivity, demonstrating an unyielding dedication to delivering exceptional results. This individual consistently drives initiatives forward, approaching challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. Their relentless pursuit of excellence and innovative problem-solving abilities ensure the successful achievement of goals and the continuous improvement of processes.

Environmental & Physical Requirements
Typical office time spent for reporting, meetings and planogram writing. Monthly store walks/retailer visits. Bi-annual product unboxing & setting planograms live in the office for SVP walks (typically planograms are set for 8 weeks). Sales plan sets live in the office live 6-8 times per year.

Additional Information Regarding Job Duties and Job Descriptions

Job duties include additional responsibilities as assigned by one’s supervisor or other manager related to the position/department. This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. The Company reserves the right at any time with or without notice to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job position or assign additional job responsibilities, subject to applicable law. The Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable a qualified applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.

 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of associates so classified.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by law. As part of this commitment, the Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable an applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.