Category Developer

Overview

The Category Developer is the category expert for Diageo brands (Tequila or Whiskey) within a targeted account base. They are focused against increasing share and velocity of their assigned commodity using tactics that help sell-in the right brands to customers and sell-out to consumers via planning and execution of brand activations.

This role must maintain strong relationships with the key stakeholders / gatekeepers of the supplier accounts and be the go-to’ consultant for the accounts.

The Category Developer will be active with in-market events and education.

Our Category Developers will be required to participate in a two-week in-person’ Academy Category Training.

This position is located in Boulder and Longmont, CO.

Salary and Benefit Statement :

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data / ranges, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience.

Compensation package : Range : $56,280- $70,350 + $6000 car allowance.

This position is eligible to participate in a bonus program. Metrics and level of participation are determined annually.

This position is eligible for health care benefits, life insurance, time off benefits and participation in the Company’s 401(k) plan.

Responsibilities

Drive and delivery on sales and marketing goals of assigned category and brandsServe as the expert and resource for the division or group in developing beverage and marketing strategies and plans for growth of assigned category.

Research trends, category, and portfolio to ensure that the group or division and company meet supplier goals as established.

Present new products and beverage offerings and conduct monthly business reviews.Plan high-end consumer activations within key accounts to elevate category awareness based on customer needs.

Drive real time market insights to inform, apply, unlock and accelerate growth.Lead, organize, report, field intel and insights for assigned territory and categories.

• Collaborate with on-premise & retail sales teams, developing creative solutions to help drive business and growth in assigned categories across their assigned territoryDevelop and deliver training modules to the sales team, customer, and supplier regarding sales trends Determines specific areas in which the category has opportunity for growth (Territories, Accounts, etc)Establishes merchandising objectives relative to brand priority for each account by understanding company priorities and defining POS needs to the supplierFocus on increasing share and velocity of assigned category.
• Ownership of account plan and execution based on brand plansObtains appropriate distribution of category throughout account base by presenting and selling based on the brands’ features and benefitsConduct staff educations and building of the category.
• Maintain and build strong relationships with the key stakeholders / gatekeepers of the assigned accountsParticipate in supplier and category specific work-with sales calls.

Attend educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks to build and maintain industry knowledge.

Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations.

Other duties, as assigned by the jobholder’s supervisor, may also be required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in related field and / or equivalent training and work experienceMinimum of 3 years in sales or industry related experienceDeep knowledge of category or responsibility that this role will supportMust have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicleProficient PC skills using MS Office and other various computer programs including presentation softwareMust be a results-oriented professional with verbal / written communication skills using diplomacy and discretion as well as customer service skillsAbility to multi-task, work independently and / or within a team, pay attention to detail and meet deadlinesAnalytic and Reporting skillsUtilize sound judgement and problem-solving skillsAbility to work in fast-paced, high-volume, team environment

Preferred Qualifications :

5 years’ experience in industry or related and category expertise experience; such as : CSS Certification or WSET Spirits level 2;

orCategory specific certifications (Whiskey or Tequila)On-premise / hospitality experience Strong understand or background of consumer engagement mechanics

Physical Requirements :

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephoneRequired to be able to operate a motor vehicle and possess a driver’s license.

Competencies :

Accountable for results which impact the department.Selects best option from a set of defined procedures / solutions using common sense and experience of similar situations.