About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is about managing relationships with major retail partners in the pet specialty sector, focusing on data-driven insights to boost category growth. It's primarily an individual contributor position that involves analytics, strategy development, and collaboration with both internal teams and external clients. Expect a mix of in-office work and some flexibility for remote tasks.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in sales, category management, or analytics, and are skilled at building relationships with retail partners. A strong analytical mindset and familiarity with market trends are essential, along with a collaborative working style.

Worth noting

The role emphasizes flexibility and personal empowerment, allowing for occasional remote work. It's also positioned within a privately-owned, purpose-driven company that values associate development and well-being.

Job Description:

The Pet Specialty Category Manager is responsible for serving as a trusted advisor to retailers and account teams for the Mars Petcare segment. The role is expected to provide insight-based shopper-focused solutions and develop strategies to enable category and retailer growth.

Additionally, the role will be expected to provide insights and strategy recommendations to drive omnichannel growth across all pet categories, with a focus on digital activations. The role supports a select portfolio of major Farm and Home and Big Box Specialty retail partners.

This role is based in Franklin, TN with regular in-office collaboration expected. Flexibility is a key enabler—empowering associates to make choices that support both business outcomes and personal needs, including occasional remote work.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Develop and cultivate business relationships that establish MARS as the indispensable partner for all category management needs (online and offline) by delivering best-in-class insights
Build comprehensive knowledge of the products, strategies, tactics, and competitive trends in the marketplace for assigned categories both online and in store
Leverage data from multiple sources (internal insights team, Nielsen scan data, Retailer POS data) to create impactful analytics and selling stories to identify risks, opportunities, and performance gaps (ie. distribution, assortment mix, incrementally, size, shelving, placement) and track category performance while informing and making recommendations to influence internal/external stakeholders

What are we looking for?

Bachelor’s Degree
2+ years of sales/category/analytics experience
Demonstrated ability to build indispensable, collaborative partnerships with retail customers, account team, and internal business partners
Familiarity with advanced analytics, market research, and digital transformation trends in retail
Strong analytical skills and ability to distill complex data into clear and impactful stories
Strong sense of curiosity

What can you expect from Mars?

Collaborative, fast-paced environment with freedom to impact business results
Working in an inclusive environment where you are shown respect, and have a voice
Organization focused on associate development and well being
Privately-owned, Purpose-driven, Fortune 100 Best Place to work company
Best in Class central insights department that will provide the tools you need to be successful

Skills & Tags

Aplyr's read

Mars is a diverse global powerhouse in confectionery, pet care, and food, attracting talent in manufacturing, sales, and technical roles.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Mars offers a wide range of career paths across multiple sectors, including food, pet care, and confectionery.
•The company invests in employee development through programs like the Mars Young Professionals Program.
•Mars provides opportunities for global mobility and cross-functional career growth.

What to watch

•The company's large size may lead to bureaucratic decision-making processes.
•Limited public information about Mars' work-life balance policies.
•Mars' global operations may require frequent travel or relocation for some roles.

Why Mars

•Mars is family-owned, allowing for long-term strategic planning without shareholder pressure.
•The company is known for its iconic brands like M&M's and Snickers, offering strong brand recognition.
•Mars emphasizes sustainability and responsible sourcing in its operations.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Mars

Mars

mars.com

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Mars, Incorporated is a global manufacturer of confectionery, pet care, and food products, known for brands like M&M's, Snickers, Pedigree, and Whiskas.