About the Role
Job Description
Purpose:
The Category Lead is responsible for the annual commercial plan build, and acts as coordinator of the different departments on the delivery of such plan. Responsible for the key categories analysis, and elaboration of category action plans and new product development ideation to project management. All in alignment with Head of Marketing and Category
This position has the Category Manager(s) reporting to it.
Category Lead Job Duties:
- Develop category strategy, short-, mid-, and long-terms for the category
- Conduct category analysis for the key categories within the business unit (BU)
- Transform analysis into cross-functional category actions plans to ensure:
- Action plans stay updated and relevant to the BU reality
- New product development and action plans tuned to meet business targets
- There is cross-functional alignment
- Actions are completed On-Time and In-Full delivery
- Lead commercial annual plan build, in line with holistic category strategies
- Responsible for coordinating cross-functional teams on the delivery of the annual commercial plan and new product development
- Work together with Research function to conduct sufficient market and brand analysis
- Work together with the Business Development function to identify Category growth opportunities and innovations
- Work together with Comms team to plan, develop and execute activation plans
- Work together with the Trade Marketing function on the creation of Trade Stories by providing:
- National understanding of the key categories’ trends, opportunities, and challenges
- Visibility on in-market competitor movements
- Analysis and data on company products performance
- Support the sales function on customer presentations when possible
- Team management and development
Key Category Lead Skills and Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in Business Administration, Marketing and/or equivalent
- At least 10 years of experience in Commercial Roles
- At least 7 years of experience leading teams
- Japanese and English communication skills, both written and verbal
- Understanding of marketplace dynamics and shopper behavior
- Ability to lead new product development projects
- Literate in 3rd party market data as well as in internal financial reporting
- Excellent mathematical and excel skills
Other Category Lead Skills and Qualifications:
- Thorough understanding of business principles and practices
- Problem-solving skills
- Integrity; honesty; understanding of data privacy standards
- Strategic-thinker, capable of combining everyday activities with long-term plans
- Multi-cultural mindset, ideally affinity with Japanese culture
- Superior attention to detail
- Planning skills
Location(s)
Tokyo Office
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.
About Us
Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. Our emerging and iconic food and beverage brands deliver the best taste, fun, and quality to every table we touch. Worldwide.
We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. Consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress. As we drive innovation company-wide.
Our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We believe in being good humans — working to improve our company, communities, and planet.
We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more thrilled about where we’re headed as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.
