Sr Manager Category Management & Consumer Insights - LALA US, Inc

As the Consumer Insights and Category Management Senior Manager at Lala US, you will play a key role in driving the company's strategic decision-making by providing valuable insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive landscapes. You will be responsible for designing and executing comprehensive market research initiatives, analyzing data, and translating findings into actionable recommendations. This position requires a deep understanding of the dairy industry, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate insights effectively to cross-functional teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Team Leadership:

• Lead and mentor a team of category management professionals.
• Develop and execute team goals, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.

Market Research Strategy:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive market research strategy aligned with the company's business objectives.
• Identify and prioritize research initiatives to address key business questions and challenges.

Consumer Insights:

• Conduct in-depth consumer research, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews, to gain a thorough understanding of consumer preferences, attitudes, and behaviors related to dairy products and adjacent categories.
• Analyze consumer trends and provide insights to guide product development, marketing, and branding strategies.

Category Management:

• Develop and implement innovative pricing strategies, collaborating closely with the marketing and sales teams. Ensure pricing aligns with market dynamics, competitive positioning, and profitability goals.
• Spearhead the creation of impactful selling stories and category roadmaps that resonate with target audiences. Utilize consumer insights and market trends to craft compelling narratives that drive sales and enhance brand positioning.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with the category management teams of key retailers. Collaborate closely to understand their needs, align strategies, and drive mutually beneficial initiatives that contribute to the success of both parties.

Competitor Analysis:

• Monitor and analyze competitor activities, market trends, and industry developments to identify opportunities and threats.
• Provide regular updates on competitive landscape changes and implications for the business.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Utilize statistical tools and methodologies to analyze large datasets and derive meaningful insights.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and presentations summarizing research findings for executive and cross-functional team review.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with product development, marketing, and sales teams to integrate consumer insights into product innovation and marketing strategies.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to align research initiatives with overall business goals.
• Partner with peers in Mexico HQ to drive US knowledge and transfer Mexico best practices.

Education:

• Drive consumer insights and category management education across the LALA organization at all levels and with customers to drive proactive knowledge vs reactive insights (ie market changes, shifts in consumer behavior)

WORK EXPERIENCE / KNOWLEDGE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Statistics, or related field.
• 15+ years proven experience in consumer insights and/or market research, preferably within the dairy or food industry, with at least 3 years also managing a team
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in statistical analysis tools and data visualization.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex findings to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple research projects simultaneously.

SKILLS / OTHER PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced Microsoft PowerPoint skills
• Strong passion for developing winning selling stories
• Attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Ability to effectively present information to senior management.
• Thrive when working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.
• Self-motivator in home office environment

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The ability to lift, carry or otherwise move objects of up to 10 pounds is necessary.
• Normally works a regular schedule of hours, however hours may vary depending on the project or assignment.