Foster's Wine Estates Americas
Job Title: Category Manager-West
Exempt/Non-exempt:   Exempt
FT/PT: Full Time
Department: Sales
Location: Various Locations, Domestic U.S.
Reports To: Director, Category Management

ABOUT FOSTER’S WINE ESTATES AMERICAS:
As a premium global beverage company conducting business across 150 countries, Foster's offers an exciting and diverse portfolio of career opportunities. Our people are innovative, passionate and energetic - working as one team with one high-performance culture.
 
Foster's is committed to creating an 'inspiring workplace' which attracts and retains highly skilled people. At Foster’s, we recognize and value employee diversity.
Don't let this great opportunity to work with a dynamic and energetic group of individuals pass you by, please apply now! EEO/AAP.

POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:
 
Manage all category management related initiatives with National Chains and the Zone markets. Ensure execution of chain-wide category management projects that focus on FWEA Sales/Marketing campaigns and Sales Tools. Drive Product, Placement, Promotion & Pricing strategies for the FWEA Portfolio with the designated retailers and distributors.

DIRECT REPORTS 
 
None

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Market development
• Lead FWEA Zone Category Management campaigns that sell critical sales and marketing initiatives to our retailers and distributors, with an ultimate goal to grow FWEA sales.
  
  
• Chain Activity
  
  
• Coordinate with Chain, Regional Sales Management, Marketing Brand Managers, Distributor and Marketing/Management to develop and present chain-wide category management projects and initiatives. 
  
  
• Perform category assessments/insights (Nielsen data, shipments, depletions, market surveys, corporate campaigns, etc.) to evaluate chain opportunities on current wine business trends and develop tactical engagement plans.
  
  
• Conduct category management sales meetings and working sessions for distributors and FWEA Sales teams.
  
  
• Analyze chain(s) performance through review of Nielsen/RAD data for account level depletion information.
  
  
• Generate specific objectives to be achieved based on assessing the consumer, product, placement, promotion and pricing intelligence.
  Communicate sales results, competitive activity, market trends, FWEA scorecards and new product ideas to key stakeholders.
  
  
• Complete frequent market chain engagements and review results with chain/distributor management.
  
  
• Distributor / Key Retail Management
  
  
• Develop rapport with key retailer and distributor management individuals and sales teams.
  
  
• Ensure timely communication of chain category campaigns to key retailers, distributors and sales teams.
  
  
• Follow-up on execution of chain category programs.
  
  
• Set objectives and strategies by timely identifying opportunities that will impact product, placement, promotion and pricing.
  
  
• Management Communication
  
  
• Daily/weekly communication of all activities, problems and opportunities to National Category Manager.
  
  
• Complete monthly project planner to present during monthly call-in meetings.
  
  
• Accountability
  
  
• This position has direct impact on the performance level of FWEA’s brands in the chain retail segment by executing category projects that drive product, placement, promotion, and pricing strategies.
  
  
• This position interacts with FWEA’s personnel, key retailer and distributors on a daily basis. Problem solving and sales efforts are made without supervision. Programming and presentations are developed without supervision; however National Category Director reviews discusses and recommends adjustments to plans.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, experience and/or abilities required. 

• Qualifications/ Memberships:
  
  
• Bachelor’s degree in Business/Marketing or related field.
  
  
• Strong foundation in Category Management. (Project management, syndicated/consumer data, trade software, people management and selling/presenting product, concepts and ideas.)
  
  
• Capable to perform Shelf Assortment Optimization or SKU Rationalization.
  
  
• Able to assess consumer trends; collaboratively develop category management strategies that engage retailers, distributors and sales teams.
  
  
• Strong facilitation skills including the ability to lead working sessions with distributors, chain management, and field sales.
  
  
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including evening and weekend activities.
  
  
• Self-motivated and able to develop a work schedule with little guidance.
  
  
• Strong analytical, written and verbal reasoning skills.
  
  
• Proven advanced technical skills in MSOffice, Excel and PowerPoint.
  
  
• Demonstrated strong collaboration and influencing skills required, including the ability to achieve business and functional objectives through partnership with other functional areas.
  
  
• High personal energy and drive required.
  
  
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
  
  
• A valid driver’s license is required.
  
  
• Experience:
  
  
• Minimum 3-5 years of category management background with Consumer Package Goods, Distributor or Wine Supplier experience. (Industry wine experience preferred.)
  
  
• Experience in Distributor Management role strongly preferred.
  
  
• Commercial experience and involvement in managing chain accounts strongly preferred.
  
  
• Proficient space management skills (ProSpace, Apollo or Spaceman), Nielsen/IRI data systems, consumer dynamics (HH Panel, Spectra) and data base management. Able to produce and present competitive shelf designs internally and with accounts.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described below are representative to successfully perform the essential job functions. The following percentages are given in terms of an eight-hour workday. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Work Environment
  
  
• San Ramon or other sales office environment
  
  
• Low to moderate noise.

No relocation assistance is available for this position. No recruiters or phone calls, please.

TO APPLY:
If you are interested in this position please Apply Here to submit your resume and please include your salary requirements.