Category Manager, Target- Confectionary

Job Description:

As a trusted advisor to Target, the Sales Category Manager, Confectionary is responsible for developing fact-based, insight-led and actionable recommendations that support growth across Target’s confectionery business. The role translates category, shopper and marketplace insights into recommendations across assortment, merchandising, shelving, pricing and promotion while building strong partnerships with Target stakeholders and internal cross-functional teams. Reporting to the Target Team Leader, this role is part of the Category Leadership organization.

What are we looking for?
As a key Mars Snacking Category partner for Target, this associate will provide strong customer support and influence in the following areas:

• Support and co-lead assigned category captaincies, including Promotions, Fruity Confections, and Gum/Mint, in partnership with the broader Target Category Team.

• Monitor category performance and develop clear, actionable recommendations.

• Conduct confectionery aisle planogram analysis, including assortment opportunity assessment, space-to-sales analysis, shelving recommendations, and requested planogram support.

• Lead defined workstreams and support broader category projects, including test-and-learn measurement and post-event analysis.

• Complete competitive market analysis and translate findings into implications for Target’s confectionary business.

• Own recurring and ad hoc data management, reporting, analysis, and presentation development with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness.

• Leverage category insights, shopper research, tools, and technology to identify shopper-focused ideas that can drive measurable category results.

• Contribute to the development of Target’s one-to-three-year category plans by assessing opportunities, sizing potential value, and supporting project prioritization.

• Support retail tests by defining measurement approaches, analyzing results, building insight-led stories, and presenting recommendations to internal and customer stakeholders.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal partners and Target stakeholders to strengthen trust, collaboration, and the team’s role in category decisions.

• Partner with the Category Leadership Strategy Team to support shopper learning agendas aligned to Target priorities and confectionery aisle growth initiatives.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2-4 years Category Management customer facing experience

• At least 1 year of business analytics experience.

• Experience moving from situation assessment to actionable recommendations using syndicated and customer data resources such as Circana/IRI, Nielsen, Domo, scan, panel, or shopper data.

• Proficiency in Blue Yonder/JDA, Microsoft Office and relevant analytical applications, including Excel, and Power Point; experience with Power Bi is beneficial.

• Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and ability to translate complex information into clear business recommendations.

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across functions and with customer stakeholders.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and recurring deliverables.

• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of combined Sales, Category Management, Insights, or related experience.

• 2+ years of business analytics experience.

• Experience supporting Target or another large omnichannel retailer.

• Category captaincy or advisory experience.

• Experience with shopper data, market research, project management, or test-and-learn analytics.

• Knowledge of non-seasonal and seasonal confectionery and/or digital commerce.

What can you expect from Mars?
Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 108,160.00 - USD 148,720.00