One Table, One Team Where every seat matters.

*** role will be based out of our new HQ in Hopkins, MN ***

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together. 

We’re looking for a Senior Category Manager to lead strategic category initiatives for one of our largest retail partners. In this highly visible role, you’ll turn data into actionable business strategies, influence customer decisions, and partner cross-functionally to unlock category growth, improve shopper outcomes, and maximize sales performance.

If you’re passionate about category leadership, customer influence, and delivering data-backed growth strategies, this is your opportunity to make a measurable impact.

What You Will Do:

• Lead category strategy development and deliver actionable recommendations that drive growth for both retailer and category
• Translate shopper, consumer, and syndicated data into compelling insights and business recommendations
• Identify growth opportunities across assortment, pricing, promotion, shelving, distribution, and merchandising
• Conduct assortment optimization and shelf analysis to improve category performance
• Build and present strategic recommendations to customer stakeholders and internal leadership
• Deliver ongoing retailer and marketplace performance analysis to influence decisions and strategy
• Partner with internal teams, customers, and external data providers to improve tools, reporting, and capabilities
• Lead complex category projects and provide thought leadership to customers and internal partners
• Coach and develop team members, where applicable

What We Look For:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience) and 7+ years of category management experience ideally within the Food industry in the US and/or Canada
• Experience with syndicated data and category tools including Circana (IRI), JDA/space planning, Numerator, and space automation tools
• Advanced analytical skills with strong Excel and PowerPoint capabilities
• Experience building strategic customer-facing recommendations and presentations
• People leadership experience preferred

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $107,000 to $178,000 annually, with eligibility for a 25% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email career.search@schwans.com.