Manager of Market and Category Strategy

We are seeking a Manager [Sr. Manager] of Market and Category Strategy to join our Strategy team.  He/she will be a key contributor to a small, highly visible team which has frequent interaction with the Morningstar leadership team, and a direct impact on the future growth trajectory of the business. The Manager [Sr. Manager] of Market and Category Strategy will play a key role in: Analyzing and synthesizing market, category and competitive information Building out periodic reporting that effectively disseminates market, category and competitive information in a crisp, concise and timely manner.  Key customers of those reports will include General Managers Leadership team Strategy function Sales function Providing a linkage to market analytics and insights functions that exist elsewhere within Dean Foods by framing analyses for execution by each of those functions Developing key inputs for the Strategic Growth Plans for each of the Morningstar businesses, and gaining the buy-in of the Morningstar General Managers for those inputs and plans Providing analytical inputs to key strategic analyses and initiatives Providing other assistance, as needed, on key strategic analyses and initiatives The Manager [Sr. Manager] of Market and Category Strategy will work closely with the VP of Strategy to: Design, launch and manage the execution of periodic reporting that effectively disseminates market, category and competitive information in a crisp, concise and timely manner.  Engage with the Morningstar General Managers and Strategy function to design periodic market, category and competitive reports which track key retail and foodservice trends, monitor competitors, highlight innovation opportunities and inform decision-making.  Frame periodic reports which will be executed by Dean or White Wave analytics resources, and quality-check work received back from those functions.  Develop and incorporate additional inputs (3rd party research such as Mintel or Technomic, newsletters, syndicated consumer panels, trade magazines, websites, etc.) into periodic reporting.  Work with General Managers and VP of Strategy to improve reporting over time. Build a linkage to market analytics and insights functions that exist elsewhere within Dean Foods by framing analyses for execution by each of those functions.  Provide a single point of contact for requesting and receiving/incorporating information requests from Dean and/or White Wave insights/analytics functions.  Develop a full understanding of the tools used by these functions (IRI scanner, IRI panel, NPD, etc.) so as to be able to effectively frame analyses for these resources that are external to Morningstar and quality check results as they return.  Manage communications with external insights and analytics resources around ad hoc analyses. Develop key inputs for the Strategic Growth Plans for each of the Morningstar businesses, and gain the buy-in of the Morningstar General Managers for those inputs and plans.  Leverage Dean and White Wave analytics and insights functions, as well as own analysis and Morningstar data to develop three year volume and revenue growth plans for each Morningstar business (cultured and ESL) as a part of the Strategic Growth Play process.  Provide additional context and analysis that informs thinking on forward growth rates by channel, sub channel and category. Build Morningstar-specific toolkit for analyzing and tracking foodservice market sizes, competitor shares and growth rates. Develop and maintain a central repository of all market, category and competitor reports and information. Participate in the design, implementation and improvement of Morningstar innovation processes. Design and manage (as required) custom third party research regarding market, competitor or category trends. Engage in other ad-hoc analyses as needed to support the growth and development of the business.  Education and Experience: A Bachelors degree in business or a quantitative/technical discipline; an MBA is highly desirable, but not a minimum requirement Four to six years’ working experience Experience in analyzing and synthesizing external information (competitive environment, market trends, etc.) Consumer packaged goods experience is a plus, but not a minimum qualification Experience performing a variety of quantitative analyses is a plus, but not a minimum requirement Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong critical reasoning and qualitative analysis skills Demonstrated track record performing quantitative analysis Demonstrated skills in strategic analysis and market research Extremely strong communication and presentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively interface, influence and build alignment with individuals and multi-disciplinary teams across all levels of management Comfort in working in a dynamic environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously Ability to operate independently, with minimal direction Strong leadership and teamwork skills Job Title: Manager of Market and Category Strategy Location: DALLAS, TX 75201 Status: Full Time, Employee Job Category: Business/Strategic Management Career Level: Experienced (Non-Manager) Education Level: Bachelor's Degree