Mizkan America

Corporate Walmart Category Manager

Schaumburg, IL (Hybrid)

Based in our Corporate Headquarters in Schaumburg, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces, and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company’s overall management approach. We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we’re dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets—our team members. That’s reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward, and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team’s future success! This position offers location flexibility, with options to be based in Bentonville, AR, or Schaumburg, IL. The role follows a hybrid schedule, requiring office presence from Tuesday to Thursday, with the remaining days remote. POSITION SUMMARY: The Category Manager for Walmart and Sam’s Club serves as a strategic thought leader responsible for leveraging shopper and consumer insights into actionable fact-based selling materials that drive both category growth and Mizkan commercial performance. This role leads the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of shopper and sales data to uncover purchasing behaviors and consumer decision‑making across Walmart and Sam’s Club. Success in this role is measured by the delivery of incremental gross and net sales, sustained market share growth and recognition by these customers of this individual’s strategic contributions to the business. While Walmart and Sam’s represent most of the role’s focus, additional Strategic Account work will also be also be assigned. Essential Functions: As the subject matter expert, lead the collection and interpretation of category insights using Walmart Scintilla and Sam’s Club Madrid, also incorporating point of sale data, surveys, and other research resources. Develop shopper-centric strategies that drive the customer’s category and Mizkan commercial success by translating data insights into actionable recommendations for product assortment, shelf sets, pricing, promotion, and merchandising. Work closely with the Mizkan’s Center of Excellence Commercial team to advise on trade negotiations and category management strategies. Collaborate with Mizkan’s Connected Commerce and Marketing teams to provide insights into customer segmentation for both omni and brick & mortar shopper cohorts and their path to purchase. Inform Mizkan’s product development teams to with product innovation and design recommendations based on their Customer’s Category and Shopper objectives. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to shopper behavior and sales performance to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies. Prepare clear, concise and impactful presentations (both formal and informal) to communicate actionable insights to the Customer’s Senior Management as well as key Mizkan cross-functional teams. Perform other duties assigned that support the overall success of the team, department, or organization. This may include participating in cross-functional initiatives, contributing to process improvements, or assisting with special projects as needed. This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required for this role. Regular, predictable, in-person attendance on the business days the Company requires in-person attendance at this facility. (In-person attendance is optional on the other workdays.) For non-required-in-person attendance days, employees are expected to be present and engaged during the designated work hours for this role. Key Skills/Competencies: Exceptional persuasive storytelling ability, with proven demonstration of weaving insights from multiple data sources into cohesive, compelling, actionable narratives. Demonstrated capability to be an early adopter of AI capabilities that increase impact of the role as well as elevate their own performance and productivity. Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques including Scintilla, Madrid, Circana, Numerator, and other syndicated data sources. Expertise in shopper insights, market research methodologies, and category management best practices. Experience in Primary Research evaluation and application into all aspects of fact-based selling and analysis. Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and bias for action; a self‑starter who drives results independently. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite specifically Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Education/Experience/Qualifications/Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. 8-10 years’ experience in category management, shopper insights, sales, and data analytics. Experience working effectively with Sales Teams across multiple customers. Proven track record of leadership, dependability, and achieving results. High ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to objectivity. Demonstrated passion for winning, collaboration, and being a trusted reliable team member. Physical Requirements and Work Conditions: Ability to remain seated at a workstation for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day). Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment. Ability to view computer screens and read printed materials for prolonged periods. Occasional standing, walking, and reaching within the office environment. Ability to lift and carry office supplies or equipment weighing up to 10–15 lbs. Adequate hearing and speech to communicate effectively in person and via phone/video. Travel up to 25% as required. The annual base salary for this position ranges from $115,000 to $145,000. Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience. Short-Term Incentive and other forms of compensation may also be provided as part of a total compensation package. A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care insurance, critical accident insurance, short- and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.