Sales Operations, Category Insights Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Minnesota.

📋 Description

• Enhance processes, analytics, and tools that facilitate profitable sales growth.

• Direct the creation and execution of scalable sales processes, workflows, tools, and best practices.

• Recognize inefficiencies in the sales process and implement improvements in productivity.

• Assist in the complete RFP process, which includes cross-functional coordination, proposal development, compliance, and timely submissions.

• Create and sustain sales-performance dashboards and reporting systems.

• Track pipeline health, conversion rates, sales productivity, customer performance, and leading indicators.

• Boost CRM utilization, data integrity, reporting, and the adoption of standardized processes.

• Assess and apply technologies and tools that enhance sales effectiveness and decision-making.

• Formulate category sales, margin, and volume forecasts by analyzing market trends, seasonality, promotional calendars, customer activity, and new product launches.

• Streamline pipeline management and enhance forecast accuracy.

• Collaborate with Finance on budgeting and monthly/quarterly forecast evaluations.

• Evaluate sales and financial performance, variances, trends, and corrective measures.

• Analyze POS, syndicated market data, sales performance, pipeline activity, and business intelligence.

• Convert data into actionable insights and recommendations for Sales leadership and senior management.

• Present performance updates, category reviews, business plans, and strategic suggestions.

• Set consistent KPIs and performance metrics.

• Work alongside Marketing, Sales, Procurement, Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Finance, and Customer Success teams.

• Oversee external research and data providers.

• Lead initiatives that support product launches, customer growth, pricing, assortment changes, and strategic opportunities.

• Align commercial strategy with operational execution.

• Assist in onboarding and training for the sales team on systems, processes, reporting, and commercial tools.

• Create documentation, playbooks, and resources.

• Define performance expectations and promote accountability, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making.

• Carry out additional duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field.

• MBA is preferred.

• Over 4 years of progressive experience in category management, sales operations, merchandising, business analytics, brand management, or related commercial functions.

• Experience in managing private label and national brand portfolios is highly preferred.

• Strong analytical and financial capabilities, including P&L, margin management, pricing, forecasting, and budgeting.

• Proficient in using syndicated data sources such as Nielsen/Circana/IRI POS, Scintilla, and panel data.

• Advanced skills in Excel.

• Familiarity with Power BI or Tableau.

• Experience with business intelligence tools and CRM systems, particularly Salesforce.

• Ability to enhance data quality and drive system adoption.

• Experience in managing RFPs, cross-functional projects, vendor relationships, and customer-facing initiatives.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, negotiation, and executive-level relationship-building skills.

• Capability to translate data and market insights into actionable commercial strategies.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead complex initiatives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

• Must possess verbal and written communication skills, work independently, be mobile, and proficiently use a computer and keyboard.

• This is a salaried exempt position; therefore, it is not eligible for overtime.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and HSA options available.

• 401(k) plan with company matching.

• Company-covered life and disability insurance.

• Benefits commence on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment.

• Remote work arrangement offered.

• Expected travel is less than 10%.