Category Development Manager Cover Letter

I would like to submit my application for the category development manager opening. Please accept this letter and the attached resume.

In my previous role, I was responsible for input in to customer planning cycle based on knowledge of category and shopper trends, competitive issues, etc.

I reviewed the requirements of the job opening and I believe my candidacy is an excellent fit for this position. Some of the key requirements that I have extensive experience with include:

• Supplier Relationship Management experience with strategic suppliers
• Knowledge of Business Process Outsourcing category would be advantageous
• CIPs desirable
• Sales and Business skills, multidimensional
• Comfortable to manage business in a multi-cultural, international and diverse environment
• Knowledge of promotional processes and practices
• Leadership skills and cross functional expertise (sales, supply chain, marketing, planning)
• An intuitive product lens

I am excited to be applying for the position of category development manager. Please accept this letter and the attached resume as my interest in this position.

In my previous role, I was responsible for objective expertise for key customers and regular category updates to provide analysis on trends, opportunities and competitive benchmarking.

Please consider my qualifications and experience:

• OMacro Level
• ORetailer & Market
• Experience with Retail Company Go to Market Strategies and Systems
• FMCG commercial experience
• Strategic planning exposure
• Experience in category, consumer research, commercial planning, data analysis or interpretation
• Experience of leading and developing complex business projects
• Account or customer management

I submit this application to express my sincere interest in the category development manager position.

In the previous role, I was responsible for input into joint business planning cycle based on knowledge of category and shopper trends, competitive issues, etc.

Please consider my qualifications and experience:

• Strong UX sensibilities, organizational and analytical skills
• Certification in Category Management preferred
• Broad and in-depth knowledge of Trade Development / Category Management function
• Working knowledge of Syndicated Data (Nielsen/IRI), Internal Shipment Data, POS Data, Spectra, HH Panel, Market6, 84.51 and MarketTrack data sources
• General knowledge of database management, data reporting and visualization tools (Tableau)
• General knowledge of Space Management processes and tools (JDA, Apollo, Space Automation)
• Understanding of chain sales, retail and distributor operations
• Understanding of digital ad-tech and analytics trends

I would like to submit my application for the category development manager opening. Please accept this letter and the attached resume.

In my previous role, I was responsible for business situation assessment, opportunity identification and support joint business plan objectives using analytical tools: Nielsen/IRI syndicated & panel, shopper card, Infoscout, iSHOP, internal proprietary data as well as industry sources to generate actionable insights that will help Coca-Cola drive category insights with retailer partners.

Please consider my experience and qualifications for this position:

• Develop strategic customer relationships through headquarter influence, project management and category thought leadership
• Interpret shopper and consumer data/research to drive category solutions for customers
• Proactively drive the discovery and presentation of insight-based opportunities to lead category sales through Shelf, Assortment, Merchandising and Strategic Pricing
• Lead, in partnership with others, the development and delivery of robust category joint business plans with Walmart and Sam’s Club
• Prior use of Syndicated Data (IRI/Nielsen), Spectra, Household Panel data, and Space Planning tools
• Prior experience in the liquor, food, or grocery wholesale/distribution business considered valuable
• Physically able to move/lift 30-40 pound cases
• Working knowledge of database management, data reporting and visualization tools (Tableau)

In response to your job posting for category development manager, I am including this letter and my resume for your review.

In the previous role, I was responsible for thought leadership on business decisions by analyzing data, trends, category performance, competitive threats and opportunities.

Please consider my experience and qualifications for this position:

• Category Management / Market Data analysis experience
• Category & customer relationship skills
• A passion for innovation and continuous improvement
• Expert in the competitive landscape
• Expert in application of Core CAS Analytical tools, access, excel, IRI, Nielsen, and Retail Link
• Customer penetration skills
• Analytical mind set with strong problem solving abilities
• Advanced knowledge of JDA Intactix Space platform, Oracle, SAS, Excel and PowerPoint