Sr. Category Manager / Advisor - Walmart
Bentonville, Arkansas, US
Job ID: 13490
Alternate Locations:
Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day.
Job Summary:
The Sr. Category Advisor will act as Walmart’s category expert by providing best in class category & shopper insights and actionable go-to-market recommendations. They will work closely with the Walmart merchant team to develop and grow total category sales by analyzing various data sources, identifying business insights, and recommending solutions. This position works as a strategic thought leader, imparting knowledge of the category and shopper to drive profitable business results.
In addition to category advisorship responsibilities, this role includes managing and developing a team of 2-3 direct reports. The Senior Category Advisor will coach, mentor, and build analytical capability and MOD drawing capabilities within the team to support business objectives and elevate the category advisor function.
Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, coach, and develop category advisor and mod specialist direct reports to enhance analytical, storytelling, and MOD drawing capabilities.
- Prioritize and delegate workload effectively, ensuring high-quality, timely delivery of insights, reporting and MOD drawings.
- Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented environment that encourages innovation, continuous learning, and professional development.
- Provide ongoing feedback and performance coaching aligned with Newell’s leadership values.
Category Management & Insights
- Act as the subject matter expert for Walmart providing thought leadership guidance and recommendations to the Walmart merchants.
- Serve as the expert on the use of syndicated and shopper data to inform Walmart decision-making and identify category growth opportunities.
- Generate weekly, monthly, and ad hoc reporting to provide actionable insights that drive profitable category growth.
- Ownership over the annual relay process including drawing and submitting MODS Leverage learnings from cross functional counterparts (e.g., Category Strategy, Consumer Insight, Shopper Insights, etc.) to deliver impactful recommendations to Walmart
- Leverage learnings from cross functional counterparts (e.g., Category Strategy, Consumer Insight, Shopper Insights, etc.) to deliver impactful recommendations to Walmart
- Develop and deliver compelling presentations to Walmart merchants (e.g., category 101’s, business reviews, consumer/ shopper POV’s, deep dives etc.)
- Form perspective on omni-channel purchasing behaviors (e.g., delivery, pick up, shipping, etc.) Monitor channel shifting and the associated trends reflected in the marketplace
Key Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree (emphasis in business/marketing or related field)
- 7+ years of experience working with a leading CPG company in category management (at least 5 years of Walmart Advisor experience required).
- Previous people management experience is strongly preferred, with proven ability to develop talent and lead a high-performing team.
- Strong understanding of category management principles, tools and processes
- Ability to build strong sustainable working relationships with the customer, and cross-functionally within Newell (Sales, Marketing and Insights)
- Advanced analytical and storytelling skills with proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and syndicated data platforms (Circana, Nielsen, Numerator)
- Advanced understanding and experience with space planning software (JDA/Blue Yonder) and leveraging best in class shelving principles
- Strong familiarity with syndicated data metrics and software and retailer POS (e.g., Circana, Nielsen, Numerator, Retail Link, and Scintilla).
- Experience analyzing retailer data and presenting insights and recommendations to Walmart merchants. (Scintilla experience required)
- Proven ability to analyze and identify insights from a combination of data sources.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects, influence cross-functional teams, and drive action.
- Excellent communication, presentation and organizational skills
Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.