Category Strategy and Planning Sr. Analyst

If a company is going to make a difference in today’s world, it’s going to have to think differently. At Organic Valley, our philosophy and decisions are based on the health and welfare of people, animals and the earth.  We’re a mission-driven cooperative, owned by family farmers, and we’ve been leaders in organic agriculture from the very beginning.  Once pioneers of organic agriculture, we’re now an established leader.  Organic is all we do.  We are driven by our mission to promote regional farm diversity and economic stability by the means of organic agricultural methods and the sale of certified organic products.

Summary of Role

The Category Strategy & Planning Sr. Analyst will be responsible for supporting the CSP Team in translating the company’s categories’ vision and strategies into actionable, customer-specific priorities and goals. The Sr. Analyst will take customer insights and best practices from the sales organization and use those to help inform and improve brand strategies and marketing activation plans. Working closely with our Key Account teams, as well as our Brand, Marketing, Shopper and Insights team, the Sr. Analyst will play a critical role in expanding distribution and driving growth for the co-op. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the CSP Team in translating Brand objectives and strategies into sales priorities and goals through the AMPS framework (Assortment, Merchandising, Pricing, and Shelving) 
• Work with Sales and Marketing teams to identify needs, gather requirements, and serve as the Sales liaison for strategic retail initiatives 
• Work closely with the Category Insights & Analytics / Brand Teams to support the development of world-class selling materials around expanding distribution and innovation 
• Assist with new item innovation and customer sell-in tracking and post-launch performance 
• Partner with Sales, Finance, and Marketing to design solutions and analyze financial performance, delivering actionable insights to help achieve AOP goals.
• Assist with Annual Operating Planning (AOP) 
• Work closely with Sales Finance to develop and deliver Merchandising proposals within AMPS guidelines 
• Support, develop and deliver presentations and reports to Sales leadership on progress of projects 
• Represent CSP in category CLTs, and partner with Category Integrators to drive decision-making and present solutions to senior leadership 
• Assist CSP in meeting its objectives, live the values and culture, and practice company policies 
• Ensure timely delivery of projects 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned by manager 

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree required, Marketing/Business/Finance preferred 
• 3+ years experience within CPG in one or more of the following functions : Sales, Trade Marketing, Category Management, Sales Finance, Marketing, Strategy 
• Syndicated data experience with Nielsen, IRI, and/or SPINS preferred
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into insights and potential recommendations
• Strong communication skills (verbal, presentation, and written) 
• A hunger to learn and an ability to flourish in a dynamic, high-growth, entrepreneurial environment 
• Strong business acumen 
• Demonstrated project management and problem-solving skills, with ability to manage a project from inception to completion
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Powerpoint & Excel 
• Experience in the dairy and/or beverage industry is a plus
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time 

Compensation

• Base salary range:  $79,060 - $98,841 per year
  • This salary range is exclusive of fringe benefits. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary bonuses. If you are hired at CROPP, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience. Additionally, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that entry-level candidates to this role should expect to be at the lower end of the salary range and hiring at the maximum of the salary range is not typical.
• Benefits
  • We believe when our people are strong, our mission is strong. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive and holistic Total Rewards package meant to strengthen employees’ and their family's total wellbeing. Here are some of the great benefits offered: 
    • Comprehensive Health Insurance - Choice of plans for you and your family, including some that can be paired with an HSA (which CROPP contributes to on your behalf)
    • Supplemental insurances: we offer accidental insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity insurance.
    • Time Off – 136 hours in the 1st year of employment prorated by start date. Plus 9 paid holidays, plus one floating holiday to use at will. 
    • 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave – For all gendered partners in childbirth or adoption.
    • Vision & Dental Insurance – Free annual eye exam, discounts on glasses/contacts, flexible dental network, adult ortho.
    • 401k – We match 100% up to the first 3% of an employee’s contribution, and then 50% for 3.1%-5.0% of employee contributions.
    • Free services at five local Neighborhood Family Clinics.
    • Tuition Reimbursement – Up to $1,500 per year to support continuing higher education.
    • Life Insurance - $50,000 policy funded by CROPP for each employee. Supplemental voluntary coverage available for employees, spouses, and children.
    • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability/AD&D Insurance - $50,000 of life insurance coverage of $50,000 of AD&D coverage funded by CROPP for each employee.
    • Employee Assistance Program - Free and Confidential for employees, spouses, and dependents
    • Free onsite fitness center available 24/7
    • Free biometric screenings (cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure) and health coaching.
    • Financial advisors and seminars
    • Annual $360 Lifestyle Spending Account 
    • Flexible scheduling 
    • On-site organic cafeterias

Location – Remote 
This role is eligible to be performed remotely, however, if you reside within 100 miles of Organic Valley offices in WI, you will be expected to collaborate onsite in a hybrid fashion for 4-8 days per month.  If you reside outside of 100 miles, you will travel in 4 times/year for intentional collaboration and connection.  
Employee Type – Salaried
Bonus – This position is eligible for a 15% annual incentive bonus based on cooperative and individual performance.
Safety Sensitive – No