*Work Setup: *Hybrid (Open to remote work for those outside Metro Manila) * Location: *Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines * Summary:* The *Category Specialist* would build customer specific planograms for key accounts, lead planogram projects for snacking category, lead adhoc/minor project intakes, and serve as SME (COT specific) who trains customers on process and procedures as needed. * Major Duties/Responsibilities:* * _Business Operational/ Category Management Support_ (60%)* * Lead Planogram Projects for Snacking Category * Build customer specific planograms using JDA software for key accounts * Work with customer and IRI point of sale data (consumption) * Where applicable use customer loyalty data (Market Basket) * Apply shopper insights into the planogram logic * Work closely with Global teams to iterate planograms to generate optimal output * Generate key performance indicator reports such as space to sales, $ per linear inch or foot, and weeks of supply (capacity) * Deliver Business Operational Metrics, KPIs and SLA commitments and cascade reports in a timely manner _*Account Management/Project Management*_* (25%)* * Build and maintain effective relationships with Global Insights and Knowledge Managers/ Business Unit * Provide high degree of one-stop-inquiry for Global Insights Business Managers/ Business Unit by acting as the sole contact for a category related data * Collaboration: Work collaboratively with US based GKI personnel to modify reports that are timely, actionable and accurate * Communication and Collaboration: Responsible for timely updates, reporting to customers, identifying issues, analyzing issue root causes and leading the resolution of those issues _ *Subject Matter Expert - COT Specific*_* (15%)* * Ensures updated and timely education of assigned COT/Retailers * Can determine frequency by which knowledge materials need to be updated, determine content and design training materials, based on future trends and strategies, as well as execute training of such * Act as the “go to” person for questions and concerns within his/her area of expertise * Competencies:* * Leadership.* Understands and promotes a shared vision; promotes understanding and a positive attitude toward the changing environment; ensures that others have the tools and resources to excel; seeks and creates opportunities to build and expand the business; stays on task and is not discouraged when dealing with changing priorities; attacks multiple issues and tasks at one time. * Team Approach.* Initiates and fosters open dialogue across the organization; integrates individual, group, and organizational goals; collaborates with others to increase opportunities for success; focuses the team on ensuring, enhancing, and exceeding customer expectations; forms alliances and coalitions across functional areas; recognizes the interdependence of team members throughout the organization. * Customer Focused and Results Oriented.* Understands issues from the customers’ perspective; considers the impact of decisions, processes, services on the customer; demonstrates passion for providing excellent customer service; treats customers with respect and care and uses a variety of approaches to identify customer needs; conveys a sense of urgency to get things done; ensures that there are necessary resources available for resolution of escalated customer issues; monitors the quality resolution of customer issues. * Problem Solving.* Detailed oriented; uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; effectively researches and probes all sources for answers; can see/recognize hidden problems and look beyond the obvious. * Learning.* Learns from personal successes and failures and those of others and applies learning to new situations; learns quickly when facing new problems; versatile and experiments to try to find solutions; open to change; enjoys the challenge of an unfamiliar task. * Listening and Interpersonal Skills. *Practices attentive and active listening and has the patience to hear people out; can accurately restate the views of others even when he/she personally disagrees; relates well to all kinds of people, up, down, and across the internal organization and externally; builds rapport quickly; develops constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can diffuse high-tension situations comfortably. * Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:* * Education: */Bachelor’s Degree required, Marketing or Business Administration (or any related field)/ * Experience:* * * At least 2 to 3 years of CPG/merchandise experience* * * Knowledge and experience in Planograming * * * Knowledgeable in Space Planning software such as JDA (strong preference), Space Man, Apollo* * Knowledge and experience in market research is a plus * Knowledge in JDA or any space planning software and IRI Unify is a plus * Proficient in Excel/Access and ability to quickly learn and assess viability of other analytic tools * Prioritization: must be able to manage multiple and sometimes conflicting or ambiguous priorities, extended work schedules, and short time constraints * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Prior experience in positions requiring strong analytical acumen preferred * Prior experience working in multiple functions (Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Strategy, etc.) highly desirable * Prior experience working with external customers (retailers) desirable * Amenable to a shifting schedule of *morning shift *(7:30 am to 4:30 pm) and *mid shift *(3:00 pm to 12 midnight) #LI-AG1