Our Mission: To become our customer’s #1 resource by leading with technology, executing flawless modular work, and delivering actionable insights.
Position Overview: The Space Planning Lead will be responsible for managing comprehensive space planning work for the world’s largest customer on behalf of the world’s greatest beverage company. This role requires fluency in current space tools such as Blue Yonder Space Planning, CKB, and Planogram Generator. The Space Planning Lead will provide customer-centric, category-level analytics with a heavy focus on shelf leadership, space allocation, and assortment.
Role is located in Roger, AR and reports to Sr. Director, Category Leadership
Key Responsibilities:
Modular Work: Manage the modular relay process for all beverage categories where Coca-Cola has Category Captaincy and lead the modular work across our Warehouse Business.
Technology and Tools Management: Oversee existing space & category management software/tools to ensure up-to-date versions and implement technology upgrades. This includes tools like Blue Yonder Space Planning, Planogram Generator, Floor Planning, CKB, Space tools supplemental customization, Batch Printing, and IMPro/Image Library.
Training and Development: Engage in relevant training and industry seminars to build knowledge around available tools and technology. Train and develop space planning analysts to design schematics in alignment with merchandising standards.
Customer Relations: Partner with Category Advisors and strengthen the Category Advisory relationship with Walmart beverage buyers. Lead the dialogue with NAOU customers on strategic placement of Coca-Cola products.
Analytics and Insights: Use diverse data sources (e.g., scan data, syndicated resources, custom research) to identify business trends and provide category-specific insights. Conduct ROI analysis, post-reset analysis, and develop scorecards to track project progress.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Create disruptive innovations that streamline processes and allow focus on mission-critical work. Demonstrate a bias toward leveraging the latest technologies to modernize current category management practices.
Team Leadership: Lead and develop direct reports, promoting their professional growth. Manage customer-specific projects in collaboration with category managers, sales leads, and customer teams.
Data Analysis and Reporting: Provide analysis and interpretation of internal and external databases (including Nielsen syndicated tools) to understand business trends. Develop hypotheses for critical performance interfaces and recommend coherent solutions.
Fact-Based Recommendations: Identify opportunities to deliver category and customer growth. Proactively recommend category growth opportunities and availability points to customers.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; MBA or other graduate degree preferred.
Minimum of 5+ years in the CPG industry; 7+ years preferred.
Expert-level capability in JDA/Blue Yonder Space Planning and related tools.
Advanced analytical capabilities and high technical aptitude with MS Office, JDA/Blue Yonder, CKB, Planogram Generator, etc.
Proven history of innovation and continuous improvement in advanced analytics.
Demonstrated reputation for customer engagement and ability to positively drive business results.
Strong knowledge of space management principles and analytical techniques.
Demonstrated ability to lead a space planning team and train on space planning tools and technology.
Integrity, insatiable curiosity, problem-solving skills, and proactive engagement in critical business matters.
Successful Candidates Will Possess:
Willingness to respectfully challenge conventional thinking
Familiarity with failure, but never comfort with it
Selfless, team-oriented predisposition