Category Leadership Manager, – AWG/UNFI

  • All Posting Locations: N/A, IL, US
  • Job Functions: Sales
  • Date Published: May 23, 2025
  • Ref#: R-93192

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About the Role

Job Description

Here at Kraft Heinz, our US Sales team aspires to be an Indispensable Partner with a Growth and Winning Mindset, acutely focused on Superior Execution every day. This is our guiding compass to grow something great and make life delicious! 

 

The Category Manager is a critical member of our sales organization that is able to distill insights from a variety of data sources to develop business plans that drive category and Kraft Heinz volume. This position leads all activities relating to optimizing assortment and space management for assigned categories and customers by using a broad set of analytical tools. 

We are looking for a team member who will be the expert on key Kraft Heinz categories, customers’ shoppers, insight development, efficient assortment, and optimal shelf placement. The Category Manager finds opportunities and addresses both Kraft’s and the customer’s needs through the integration of research (primary and secondary), analysis, insights, reporting and presentation. This person will apply and integrate buying dynamics such as purchase frequency, buy rate, buyer conversion and category leakage to consumer and shopper research to develop business-building recommendations. This team member will conduct assortment analysis, SKU optimization, and build planograms by using syndicated tools.

Essential Responsibilities

• Deliver insight-led strategies to enhance category growth and shopper experience within defined customer/category scope

• Translate consumer and shopper data into actionable, tailored recommendations across assortment, shelf, and innovation

• Support strategic customer engagements (e.g., line reviews, JBP sessions) with clear, insight-driven stories

• Collaborate across Sales, Omni, BU Strategy, and Insights to align on and activate category priorities

• Apply omnichannel strategies to optimize the shopper experience across digital and in-store touchpoints

• Stay current on marketplace and shopper trends; proactively surface growth opportunities

• Contribute to knowledge sharing and functional capability-building across the team

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Demonstrated ability to turn data into clear, actionable insights

• Strong application of assortment and shelving fundamentals within the team and/or the CPG industry

• Tested experience collaborating across functions in a fast-paced environment

• Proven proficiency in syndicated and shopper panel data tools (e.g., Circana, Nielson) and retailer-specific platforms

• Growth mindset with strong ownership and execution discipline

• Strong communicator and problem-solver

• Collaborative team player

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$102,100.00 – $127,600.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

  • Physical – Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

  • Social – Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training

  • Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

  • Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Employee’s Home – Geo

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

Digital at Kraft Heinz

The
Builders

Our Digital team empowers every aspect of our business.

Discovering what’s next in food using Python, Azure ML and Alteryx. Building and designing apps. Improving our supply chain.

We’re bringing agility to beloved brands across the globe — making life delicious for our customers and communities, today and tomorrow.

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HR at Kraft Heinz

The
Facilitators

People are what makes Kraft Heinz great. Today. And tomorrow.

In Human Resources, we’re finding and developing great talent to continue our legacy. We’re here for every colleague, for their performance and their wellbeing.

Together, we’re helping everyone to grow their own way.

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Manufacturing at Kraft Heinz

The
Makers

Our Manufacturing team is a fully-integrated end-to-end supply chain. We’re the backbone of Kraft Heinz. The people behind the products, delivering the highest quality and value.

Whether you’re a seasoned manufacturing veteran or new to the world of plants, there’s tons of opportunity for career growth and development.

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Marketing at Kraft Heinz

The
Strategizers

Our Marketing team are the voice of our consumers. Connecting the right people, to the right products, with the right messages and campaigns.

We’re the architects of category growth, making sure our brands are front and center — winning the battle for attention in the minds of people everywhere.

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R&D at Kraft Heinz

The
Creators

Our Research and Development team creates high-quality products that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation is what gets us up in the morning!

Whether you want to develop your technical skills or grow as a people manager, there’s a place for you here to advance your career.

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Sales at Kraft Heinz

The
Connectors

Our Sales team drives multibillion dollar distribution strategies. And we do this across channels and across the whole world!

We thrive wherever consumers can meet iconic and innovative brands — in retail, on-trade, and B2B. We’re the closest people to our customers, getting our products to the right people, in the right places.

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Hear from
our people

“Kraft Heinz doesn’t just talk about their values, they live it every day.”

Traci
Senior Customer Sales Manager

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Hear from
our people

“The best is yet to come at Kraft Heinz. I’ve experienced the launch of a new purpose, new vision and values. Now I’m seeing all of those things truly take shape and that is very exciting.”

Michael
Associate Director Pension

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Hear from
our people

“The best thing about working at Kraft Heinz are the benefits and opportunities for growth and career development.”

Manetta
Talent acquisition Specialist

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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.

Why Us

We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our iconic and nostalgic brands.

Good isn’t good enough. We choose greatness every day by making bold decisions and challenging what’s ordinary. All while celebrating our wins – and failures – as we work together to transform the future of food.

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