Category Manager

Company: MUSH
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Salary: MUSH is a people-first food company on a mission to fuel humanity with positive energy. We believe that food's first job is to nourish us, and public health is a public good. If you aspire to make the world a little healthier and want to build a reputation of doing hard things well, MUSH may be a great place for you. Our first product line of ready-to-eat overnight oats pioneers a new category for the breakfast occasion, offering a superior value proposition compared to traditional morning meals. In just five years, we've expanded from weekend farmers markets to over 14,000 retail doors nationwide. MUSH is one of the fastest-growing consumer brands in the country, and this explosive growth requires a high performer for our world-class Sales Team. Role Description: The Category Manager will play a crucial role in supporting sales growth and developing effective go-to-market strategies across various channels and retailers. This person will synthesize multiple data streams to provide powerful performance, category, competitive, consumer, shopper behavior, and macroeconomic insights. Data tools include syndicated scan data (SPINS, IRI Circana, Nielsen, 84.51), shopper panel (84.51, Numerator), primary and secondary research, and industry publications. This person will also deliver strategic recommendations internally across Sales, Marketing, and Leadership with the potential to upscale to be included in key customer meetings. Role Responsibilities: Category Management & Shopper Insights - Partner with the cross-functional peers in Sales and Marketing teams to further develop MUSHs sell-in story, turning data into key actionable insights Create category and shopper centric presentations founded in research and analysis, delivering on key customers objectives Lead and present category reviews internally and potentially externally with key customers Leverage category and shopper insights to make shelf recommendations that improve the shopper experience of the Overnight Oats and Refrigerated Protein Bar segments Own Budget and Relationship Management with External Data Providers Strategy Development - Work cross-functionally to develop AMPS (Assortment, Merchandising, Pricing and Shelving) gold standards and execution scorecards. Partner with Sales to identify AMPS opportunities across retailers and channels and track execution with the team Work with the Shopper and Brand teams to identify main shopper profiles and occasions within channels and retailers to inform growth strategies. Develop best-in-class planogram and space recommendations leveraging scan data, shelf capacity, panel metrics, and shopper behavior to help inform retailer strategy. Leverage performance data to support AOP and long-term planning inputs across channels, doors, assortment, and velocity. Partner with Marketing and R&D as needed to support innovation planning. Executive Business Review and Project Support - Develop executive summaries monthly of how the brand is performing in the market, highlighting key drivers and diagnosing issues Partner with leadership team to support Quarterly Board Meetings Qualifications: 3-5 years of experience in Category Management and analytics Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn data into actionable insights Storytelling skills using multiple sources such as primary/secondary research, loyalty card, shopper panel, and syndicated point of sale data (IRI/Nielsen) Advanced MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) skills, including pivot tables, slicers, and formulas to automate and contribute to reporting Space planning experience is a plus Proven strengths in key competencies: Enthusiasm Flexibility/Adaptability Proactivity Follow-through & Follow Up Organization & Planning Attention to Detail Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking Communication & Listening Teamwork Alignment of Values: Learning.We are always learning and seeking to improve ourselves and the world around us. We are curious about possibilities and act to explore them. Innovation. We look for new ideas from everywhere and accept that we may be misunderstood for long periods of time. Taking Action. We have a strong bias for action and value calculated risk-taking. Being Resourceful. We accomplish more with less. We are frugal and believe that constraints breed creativity. Demanding Excellence. We have exceedingly high standards that most think are unreasonable. We demand excellence from ourselves and our partners who help us succeed regularly. Creating Win-Win Relationships. We strive to create win-win relationships with all of our major stakeholders - our customers, suppliers, employees, owners, regulators, and the communities in which we operate. Compensation: Compensation estimates are provided in good faith at the time of job posting. Job Offers may vary based on the Candidates education, certifications, job-related knowledge, skill, and experience. MUSH may pay more or less than the posted range. The range may be modified in the future. Salary range: $110,000-$130,000 annual bonus potential. Bonus payments are contingent upon the Company and the individual achieving performance goals. Benefits & Perks: Medical, Dental, Vision Life Insurance 401K plan including 4% match Unlimited PTO 9 Holidays Unlimited MUSH in office Company swag

Keywords: MUSH, Racine , Category Manager, Sales , Chicago, Wisconsin