Director, Category and Innovation

Why choose us?

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join us for an exciting opportunity at Albertsons Companies, where innovation and customer service go hand-in-hand!

At Albertsons Companies, we are looking for someone who's not just seeking a job, but someone who wants to make an impact. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and contribute to the growth of a company that values great service and lasting customer relationships. This position offers the chance to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that's constantly evolving.

Main responsibilities:

The Director Category Management & Product Development - Own Brands will lead category management and product development for strategic categories. Key focus areas will be category assortment, product quality, innovation, pricing and promotion. This role will ensure that Own Brands strategies algin with corporate goals across loyalty, penetration, sales & margin.

The position will be based in Pleasanton CA.

Main responsibilities will be:

Product & Assortment Management

• Assortment Planning: Analyze market and consumer data to determine the optimal private label product mix, identifying gaps and opportunities for new product development and premiumization.
• Product Innovation: Identify customer and market opportunities to develop product concepts and launch new "Own Brand" items, overseeing the product lifecycle from ideation to exit strategies for underperforming items.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure all private label products meet high quality, safety, and regulatory standards, working closely with quality assurance and legal teams to mitigate risk.

Product Development and Innovation

• Product Development: Manage the product development process from concept and R&D through testing, packaging design, commercialization, and scale-up… overseeing product formulation, packaging, naming, claims, certifications, and positioning.
• Ensure Quality & Compliance: Establish and enforce quality assurance protocols and product standards, ensuring all items comply with relevant food safety, regulatory, and ethical sourcing standards (e.g., Organic, Fair Trade, etc.).
• Drive Innovation: Foster a culture of creativity and innovation, leading the development of new product formulations and recipes that meet nutritional and culinary standards and resonate with customer needs.
• Packaging Structure: Lead packaging refreshes, design improvements, and brand tier consistency aligned with our sustainability agenda.

Vendor & Supply Chain Management

• Vendor Negotiation: Support negotiations with suppliers and manufacturers to secure favorable terms, including pricing, quality standards, and reliable supply, while building strong, strategic relationships.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Collaborate with sourcing, procurement, and logistics to ensure cost-effective operations, optimal inventory levels, and business continuity.

Data, Insights & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Market Analysis: Utilize deep data analytics, syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, Circana), and consumer insights to drive decision-making and identify growth opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Serve as a primary liaison, collaborating with national and division teams to ensure cohesive strategy execution across all channels (in-store and e-commerce).
• Reporting & Communication: Provide regular reports and presentations to leaders on category performance, market dynamics, and recommendations.

Talent Management

• Lead and develop direct reports (Managers, Assistant Managers, and Associates). Responsible for development plans and performance management for your team. Lead identification of organizational improvements - improving processes, programs, streamline functions, department training needs, etc.

We are looking for candidates who possess the following:

• Bachelor''s degree preferred in Business Marketing, Economics, or Finance.
• MBA Preferred.
• 8 plus years'' experience selling / influencing decision makers.
• 8 plus years of product innovation management, brand management and/or category management experience in a CPG or retail company.
• 3 plus years' experience and demonstrated abilities in managing teams, developing others and managing multiple projects successfully.
• Expert in managing budgets and financial metrics.
• Expert leading projects, cross functional teams and influencing others.
• Ability to combine creative problem solving, consumer insights, and an aptitude for strategic thinking in a fluid environment.
• Strong ability to analyze multiple and often disconnected data sources (targeting consumer trends and insights) and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Financial understanding of all Innovation metrics and measures.
• Expert level interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to motivate, lead, and influence stakeholders across the organization.
• Exceptional project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities successfully.
• Self-motivated with the ability to act with a sense of urgency, intensity, and integrity.
• Excellent in managing teams internally and cross functionally and cross departments to execute projects/programs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and syndicated data (e.g. Circana).

We also provide a variety of benefits including:

• Competitive wages paid weekly
• Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream
• Associate discounts
• Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)
• Time off (vacation, holidays, sick pay). For eligibility requirements please visit myACI Benefits
• Leaders invested in your training, career growth and development
• An inclusive work environment with talented colleagues who reflect the communities we serve

Our Values - Click below to view video: ACI Values

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A copy of the full job description can be made available to you.

Albertsons Companies is at the forefront of the revolution in retail. Committed to innovation and fostering a culture of belonging, our team is united with a unique purpose: to bring people together around the joys of food and to inspire well-being. We want talented individuals to be part of this journey!

Locally great and nationally strong, Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) is a leading food and drug retailer in the U.S. We operate over 2,200 stores, 1,732 pharmacies, 405 fuel centers, 22 distribution facilities, and 19 manufacturing plants across 34 states and the District of Columbia. Our well-known banners include Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Shaw's, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets, United Express, Randalls, Albertson's Market, Pavilions, Star Markets, Market Street, Carrs, Haggen, Lucky, Amigos, Andronico's Community Markets, King's, Balducci's, and Albertson's Market Street.

Our vision is to be a retail leader admired for national strength with deep local roots, offering an easy, fun, friendly, and inspiring experience, no matter how customers choose to shop with us. We celebrate the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and strive to create a workplace where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, and can fully contribute to their and our company's success.

Bring your flavor

Building the future of food and well-being starts with you. Join our team and bring your best self to the table.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the employees assigned to this job and are not the official job description for the position. All employees must comply with Company, Division, and Store policies and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties, and skills of personnel may vary within store and/or from store to store and the official job description will be provided during the application process.

Albertsons is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Consistent with applicable state and local law, the Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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