Senior Category Commercialization Manager

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos and Airheads!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Senior Category Commercialization Manager to join our growing team.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Senior Category Commercialization Manager leads innovation commercialization and ensures launch readiness in exciting confections category. The SCCM develops category level growth plans through collaboration with Marketing, Category, and Sales teams, and builds commercial sell-in tools and resources to drive growth and incrementality. Additional responsibilities include:
Lead Innovation Commercialization & Launch Readiness Across Functions
•    Take new products from concept → launch-ready → retail sell-in → on shelf.
•    Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure readiness (Marketing, Sales, RGM, Insights, Supply Chain & Finance).
•    Represent innovation needs at channel level ensuring the right packs/products are developed to meet market needs.
Develop Category-Level Growth Plans
•    Work with Marketing to develop brand story, including what shoppers and customers care about.
•    Provide business intelligence for specific brand/products, be well versed on what is happening in the business.
•    Turn insights & category strategies into clear sales execution guidance.
Represent the Priorities of Sales and Marketing
•    Ensure brand plans fit retailer strategy & shopper behavior.
•    Guide sales on customer prioritization of new items and brand initiatives.
•    Represent customer and field voice in internal, cross-functional meetings.
Build Commercial Sell-In Tools & Resources
•    Partner with Marketing & Insights to build new item selling stories & brand stories.
•    Provide new item prioritization and merchandising direction.
Identify Opportunities to Improve & Adjust Performance
•    Evaluate Perfetti performance in market & recommend course corrections and/or expansion of success.
•    Apply learning to future new items and initiative to continually improve execution and results.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

•    Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field required; MBA preferred.
•    10+ years CPG experience  
•    Experience in Trade, Customer Planning, or a Field Sales role with customer exposure.
•    Strong understanding of channel and key retailer practices
•    Involvement with customer annual planning process
•    Ability to work effectively across departments — Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Category/Insights, Retail Growth Management
•    Demonstrated ability to influence across the organization
•    Matrix management and project management experience
•    Financial acumen - P&L management exposure
•    Thrives in fast-paced, multi-tasking environment while being highly organized and structured.
•    Excellent communication skills, both verbal / written with internal / external contacts.
•    Senior level relationship building skills.  Ability to direct decision making.
•    Strong Word, Excel and PowerPoint skills.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a welcoming workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:
•    PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay it forward time off  
•    13 paid holidays  
•    401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country  
•    Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases
•    Comprehensive Health Insurance
•    Annual Well-Being subsidy
•    Maternity & Paternity leave options   
•    Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement  
•    Tuition-Free College Program 
•    Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos) 
 
Join a 2024 NKY Best Workplace by applying today! 
 
Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable statutorily protected group status under local, state, or federal law.