When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We’re not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It’s in our DNA. We’ve turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world’s largest meat snack business, that’s still proudly family owned and operated.

We’re a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

At Jack Link’s Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link’s Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, MATADOR Jerky, BiFi and Peperami.

The Category Manager (CM) is responsible for developing multiple strategic customers’ relationships by being the Category expert in providing business insights, strategy development, assortment / planogram recommendations to drive category growth for the Meat Snack category.  The CM integrates actionable insights and data from multiple sources such as retailer, consumer, shopper and syndicated, in order to build comprehensive recommendations to improve overall category performance. This position works closely with the Sales and CSSO (Commercial Sales and Strategy Operating) teams to drive the Meat Snack categories and LSI business. This position requires a high degree of confidentiality with Customers.

The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

• Develop sustainable and strong category partnerships by providing strategic analytical recommendations that promote total Category & Brand growth
• Be recognized internally at Jack Link’s and externally as a thought leader in shopper insights and category trends
• Proactively makes recommendations on Category assortment, placement, promotions and pricing for Strategic Customers
• Uncover strategic growth opportunities
• Strategically leverage analytical insights to further growth of Meat Snacks Category & identify merchandising growth opportunities to supplement Jack Link’s core business
• Work cross-functionally to develop and maintain Strategic Partnerships, both internally and externally
• Develop Monthly Scorecards and provide status updates to team
• Manage multiple projects with conflicting timelines
• Strategically leverage analytical insights to further growth of Meat Snacks Category & identify merchandising growth opportunities to supplement Jack Link’s core business
• Leverage shopper loyalty data to discover innovative opportunities thru cross-category partnerships, developing conversion programs, and promoting new usage occasions
• Collaborate with customers in resolving business issues, and provide innovative solutions/recommendations through creative strategic interpretation and application of loyalty data and shopper insights

Required Education:

• Bachelor's Degree required. Preferred areas of concentration: Business / Finance / Math / Statistics

Required Experience:      

• Minimum of 5 years in consumer packaged goods experience
• Minimum of 3 years in category management experience
• Experience with POS, Syndicated data (Merch IQ, Nielsen, IRI, Spectra, and HH Panel)
• Experience in Blue Yonder (JDA) Pro Space software
• Strong industry/sales knowledge with emphasis on category and space management
• Ability to take initiative and be self-motivated, with a strong sense of urgency is essential
• Cross-functional collaboration skills
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Must have solid analytical and presentation skills
• Strong follow through and prioritization skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, advanced Excel Skills
• Cross Functional experience is a plus
• Ability to travel up to travel up to 25%

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.