Category Specialist

AplikoThe Category Specialist is responsible for leading category management initiatives with key customers, translating data and shopper insights into actionable strategies, and supporting the execution of trade marketing and category plans across channels. The role acts as a critical link between Sales and Marketing.Key ResponsibilitiesCategory Management & Analytics

• Lead category management projects with top customers
• Analyze sell-out performance across channels to identify growth opportunities
• Prepare reports on category trends, market share, and competitive positioning
• Develop tailored action plans to grow category turnover with key customers
• Support Key Account Managers with initiatives for non-top customers
• Monitor PSA reports and translate insights into execution-focused action plans
• Maintain and analyze depletions data to support business planning
• Prepare and analyze Trade Sales (TS) and Financial Sales (FS) reports

Trade Marketing Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement trade marketing strategies aligned with brand priorities
• Plan and execute consumer activations and in-store campaigns
• Support trade activity proposals while safeguarding brand standards
• Ensure effective internal and external communication of trade initiatives
• Support e-commerce strategy development and execution
• Manage trade marketing budgets efficiently and according to plan
• Coordinate with international and local teams to ensure alignment

Sales & Marketing Alignment

• Act as a bridge between Sales and Marketing to ensure seamless execution
• Translate the marketing plan into actionable sales strategies
• Support alignment of trade activities across customers and channels
• Define and implement “Perfect Store” standards by channel
• Support premium in-store execution of new product launches

POS & Materials Management

• Ensure effective use of global POS toolkits in line with brand guidelines
• Oversee local adaptation and production of POS materials when required
• Manage the POSM process to enhance in-store visibility and shopper engagement
• Business Insights & Development
• Build and maintain data platforms for analysis and insight generation
• Identify opportunities and challenges across customers and channels
• Conduct ad-hoc analysis to support sales development and business planning
• Evaluate promotions and channel-specific performance