Director, Category Leadership

Job Description The Director, Category Leadership is a transformational leader responsible for driving long-term category growth across physical stores, ecommerce, and omnichannel retail environments. This role combines advanced analytics, shopper insights, macro-space planning, inventory intelligence, and store-level performance insights to develop strategies that deliver sustainable growth for both retailers and the enterprise. Reporting to the VP of Category Leadership & Shopper Insights, the Director leads a team of Associate Directors, Leads, Senior Advisors, and Advisors, serving as a strategic partner to internal teams and retail customers. This leader develops and executes a 1–3 year category growth strategy, leveraging real-time data, predictive analytics, and collaborative retailer partnerships to drive measurable outcomes across sales, profit, market share, and category productivity. The Director acts as a trusted advisor to senior retailer leadership, delivering insights and strategic recommendations that improve category performance across in-store, digital shelf, and omnichannel fulfillment environments. Key Responsibilities Strategic Category Growth & Retail Partnerships Partner with senior retailer leaders to develop long-term category growth strategies across store and e-commerce environments Lead joint category planning and strategic initiatives that drive profitable growth for both the retailer and the enterprise Identify retail solutions through deep understanding of shopper behavior, category trends, and store-level insights Serve as a strategic advisor to internal commercial teams on category performance, risks, and growth opportunities Omnichannel Category Strategy Develop and execute integrated category strategies across physical shelf, digital shelf, and omnichannel fulfillment models Optimize category performance across in-store merchandising, digital discoverability, and online shopper conversion Partner with Digital Commerce and Retail Media teams to ensure category insights inform digital merchandising and media strategies Data, Analytics & Category Intelligence Leverage advanced analytics, AI-enabled insights, and real-time data platforms to inform category strategy Translate complex data—including shopper card data, syndicated data, digital shelf analytics, and store-level POS insights into actionable growth strategies Utilize predictive modeling and demand forecasting to guide store level assortment strategies Inventory & Availability Optimization Integrate inventory analytics and supply chain insights into category planning to ensure optimal product availability. Identify out-of-stock risks and collaborate with retailers and internal teams to improve on-shelf and digital fulfillment availability Use demand signals and sell-through data to improve inventory productivity and reduce lost sales Store-Level Insights & Execution Analyze store-level and regional performance to identify localized assortment and merchandising opportunities Partner with retailers to implement targeted category strategies that reflect shopper demand at the store level Ensure enterprise category strategies translate effectively into store-level execution Space & Assortment Strategy Lead macro-space planning initiatives to optimize shelf allocation, assortment productivity, and category roles Develop data-driven assortment strategies that improve category productivity across physical and digital environments Leadership & Talent Development Lead and develop a high-performing category leadership team, fostering a culture of curiosity, innovation, and continuous improvement Serve as a player-coach, developing future category leadership talent across the organization Partner cross-functionally with Business Units, eCommerce, Insights, Supply Chain, and Marketing teams to drive category success Qualifications 10+ years of experience in CPG, retail, or category management leadership Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams Strong experience leveraging advanced analytics, shopper insights, and data platforms to drive category strategy Experience with omnichannel retail, digital commerce, and store-level retail dynamics Knowledge of macro-space planning, assortment optimization, and category strategy development Experience utilizing inventory analytics and demand forecasting to improve availability and category productivity Strong financial acumen and ability to translate insights into business results Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with the ability to influence senior retailer leadership 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: $190,300.00 - $237,900.00 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 Long-Term Incentive (LTI): In addition to base salary and bonus, this role is eligible for additional compensation in the form of equity. 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 - National Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact [email protected] .