Explore Manager, Category & Trade Solutions jobs and discover a pivotal leadership role at the intersection of sales strategy, retail execution, and category growth. Professionals in this field act as strategic architects, bridging the gap between commercial objectives and in-store reality. They are responsible for designing and optimizing the Route-to-Market (RTM) strategy, ensuring a company's products flow efficiently through the most effective channels to reach the end consumer. A core aspect of the role involves deep expertise in Category Management, where these managers analyze market data, shopper insights, and competitor activity to develop shelf-level strategies that drive sales and market share for both the manufacturer and the retail partner. Typical responsibilities for a Manager, Category & Trade Solutions are comprehensive. They oversee sales operations processes and tools, championing the deployment of sales technology, data management systems, and analytics platforms to provide actionable insights. Driving perfect store execution and in-store merchandising standards is a key operational duty. Furthermore, these managers are capability builders, responsible for developing the skills of sales teams and distributor partners through training programs, coaching, and knowledge sharing. They provide thought leadership on trade promotions, pricing strategies, and assortment planning, always with the goal of winning at the point of purchase. The skill set required for these jobs is a blend of analytical rigor and influential leadership. Successful candidates typically possess extensive experience in field sales and customer management across both modern and traditional trade channels. Strong analytical thinking is essential for interpreting sales data and market trends. Equally important are exceptional influencing and collaboration skills, as the role requires aligning cross-functional teams and persuading both internal stakeholders and external retail partners. A passion for people development, project management expertise, and a strategic mindset are common requirements. A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is typically expected, complemented by a proven track record in sales operations, category management, or trade marketing. For strategic thinkers who excel at translating data into actionable plans and leading teams to executional excellence, Manager, Category & Trade Solutions jobs offer a dynamic and impactful career path at the heart of commercial success.
