Category Manager - CPG,C-Store,Sales,VideoGames, FMCG, Music, Panel

Derrik Sovak

Bloomington, MN *****

Objective:

I am a candidate focused on results. I have a detail-oriented, progressive category management, brand management, marketing insights, and analytics background. I am looking to move forward with a career where I can deploy data-driven insights through effective storytelling and drive performance objectives and business goals.

Overview:

Over 15 years of Analytical and Statistical experience using POS and syndicated data sources to measure metrics that drive performance. I have 15+ years of advanced analytical experience using sales metrics that have helped drive business/customer/retail insights while making recommendations for the strategic development of brands, products, categories, and market strategy. I pride myself on using a compelling story that is easy to digest to help move insights into a realistic approach to change. Strengths include providing analytical support for business groups, interpreting results, and providing insights for trends, pricing, sales metrics, customer data, and brand/product strategy.

I aggregate and analyze data for past and future trends and report findings to business teams to help them make informed and strategic decisions. I have experience creating custom, weekly, and monthly reports, as well as scorecards to measure business growth and trends in categories and markets. I provide analysis and insights to grow the share of multiple lines within a brand/category/market. I have advanced experience using analytical software (Nielsen, IRI, Info Retriever, SQL, Tableau, EDW, GRM, Strategic Insights, Space Planning, Apollo, Spaceman, and JDA Suite) to provide analysis, develop insights, and create planograms for proposal and finalization.

I have assisted/led multiple campaigns/projects for, Customer Analytics and Social Media Engagement to leverage findings against sales results. Including Panel Data, Loyalty Card/App, Engagement Analytics, SEO, etc.

I have also led Insights behind: Pricing, Priority Placement, Promotion/Trade Analysis/Marketing Engagement Analytics, and Brands/Products.

Experience:

Category Manager Alliance Sales and Marketing

- Dairy Farmers of America (Contract)

- Nov 2023 -Dec 2024

National Accounts Category Manager - Grocery

Borden Cheese Plugra Butter Kemps Ice Cream & Novelties

Category Manager/Retail Sales Analyst EA Sween Co.

- NACS Certified Category Manager

- Apr 2020 - April 2023

- Walmart Target Best Buy Amazon eBay eCommerce c-store Vending

Manager of Strategy and Analytics COKeM International

- 2018 to 2020

- Walmart Target Best Buy Amazon eBay eCommerce

Client Category Manager/Category Captain Advantage Solutions (Direct for Church & Dwight)

- 2017 to 2018

*Past Work History Available Upon Request

PERFORMANCE:

- Provided analysis of category and item level data and reporting, as well as presenting analytics to buyers and internal teams to grow category dollars and increase margin, including deep-dive analytics across all channels of trade.

- Provided executive internal teams with State-of-the-Business analysis using a variety of sources, including Nielsen, 1010 Data, Solys, Mintel, Kantar, IRI, POS, and RETAIL POS - Developed and executed category strategies and plans to drive growth and increase market share.

- Conducted regular business reviews with buyers to discuss category performance, promotional effectiveness, and competitive landscape.

- Analyzed organic and paid social media campaigns via TikTok and the Meta Suite and made strategic recommendations, resulting in increased sales and engagement.

- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and supply chain, to ensure alignment and execution of category plans.

- Utilized syndicated data and market research to identify consumer trends and insights and translate them into actionable recommendations for product innovation and marketing strategies.

- Managed promotional programs and trade spend to maximize ROI and drive incremental sales.

- Conducted competitive analysis to identify opportunities and threats in the market and developed strategies to address them.

- Monitored and analyzed sales data to identify gaps and opportunities and made recommendations for assortment optimization and shelf space allocation.

- Developed and maintained strong relationships with key retail partners and acted as the main point of contact for category-related inquiries and initiatives.

- Provided training and support to sales teams on category management principles and best practices.

- Managed category budgets and tracked performance against targets.

- Stayed up to date with industry trends and best practices in category management and continuously sought opportunities for professional development.

Education:

Bachelor of Science – Mass Communication, English

University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

Graduated May 2007

Skills:

- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, Data Aggregation proficiency

- Omni Channel Data including Social Media, SEO, SSO

- Excellent communication and presentation skills

- Ability to work independently and in a team environment

- Detail-oriented and highly organized

- Strong project management skills

- Knowledge of syndicated data sources such as Nielsen and IRI

- Advanced Planogram software user: JDA Suite and Spaceman/Apollo

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