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Associate Manager Category Management

Posted Date:  Jun 30, 2026
Requisition Number:  129350

Why Hershey:

At The Hershey Company, our culture is rooted in purpose and inspired by Milton Hershey’s enduring vision that business should create opportunity for others. Through our commitment to corporate philanthropy, we create positive impact by supporting communities, helping children thrive, and operating as a business for good. This includes our deep and long standing partnership with Milton Hershey School, where we invest in education, workforce readiness, and hands on engagement to help students succeed beyond the classroom. Supported by strategic grantmaking, product donations, cross brand collaboration, and strong employee volunteerism, Hershey offers a place to work where making a difference—locally and globally—is part of how we do business every day.

Job Overview

This role is centered on maximizing sales and profitability within a designated product category by strategically aligning manufacturer pricing, product selection, placement, and promotions with retailer goals and profit margins. The individual serves as a skilled subject matter expert who independently manages work that spans multiple teams or functions, influencing business outcomes and enhancing customer experience. Responsibilities include analyzing customer and shopper research to guide joint category plans, collaborating with retail partners to create tailored promotional and placement strategies, and conducting business planning sessions to align on category objectives. The role demands practical knowledge and insight to drive transformation, ensure product supply meets demand, and monitor performance against category targets to optimize the overall shopping experience. 

As a Category Consultant supporting Front End, you will serve as a key connector between Hershey and our retail partners, driving category growth through data-driven insights and strategic execution. This role plays a critical part in shaping category initiatives, translating analytics into compelling stories, and influencing decisions across internal teams and external stakeholders.

Accountabilities

1. Analyze and share customer and shopper research with retail partners to inform category planning and reviews This supports effective execution and alignment with organizational standards.
2. Collaborate with retailers to develop tailored promotional and product placement strategies that align with their customer base This supports effective execution and alignment with organizational standards.
3. Conduct joint business planning sessions to establish and align on category goals and performance metrics This responsibility supports the role's core functions and contributes to organizational objectives. This supports effective execution and alignment with organizational standards.
4. Manage pricing, selection, and promotions to maximize sales and profitability while supporting retailer objectives This responsibility supports the role's core functions and contributes to organizational objectives. This supports effective execution and alignment with organizational standards.
5. Monitor and review manufacturer and retailer performance against established category targets This responsibility supports the role's core functions and contributes to organizational objectives. This supports effective execution and alignment with organizational standards.

Minimum Education & Requirements

5+ years of relevant experience in Category Management, CPG Sales, or related field
Experience working with large national retailers preferred
Strong analytical, storytelling, and presentation skills with the ability to influence at multiple levels

 

At Hershey, we offer competitive pay and a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and life outside of work.
Health & Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs that support your physical and mental health
Financial Security: Competitive pay, annual incentive opportunities, and a 401(k) with company match
Time Off & Flexibility: Paid time off, company holidays, and flexible ways of working where applicable
Growth & Development: Career development programs, learning opportunities, and internal mobility
Benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility.

 

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
 
The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans.  

You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability.
You can request an accommodation via phone or email.  

To request an accommodation via phone, please call +1 877-804-1794 and leave a voicemail with your contact information.  You may also email a request for accommodation to ApplicationHelp@hersheys.com. Please be sure to include “Accommodation Needed” in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.


Nearest Major Market: Minneapolis

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