Strategic Category Analyst

Dice is the leading career destination for tech experts at every stage of their careers. Our client, ConsultNet, LLC, is seeking the following. Apply via Dice today! Our client is seeking a highly analytical and strategically minded Strategic Category Analystto drive growth and operational efficiency within their Client cannabis business. This pivotal role acts as the bridge between deep market data insights and strategic commercial execution. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in traditional Client Demand Planning and/or Category Management, a passion for transforming complex data into actionable strategy within a high-growth, regulated environment, and proven external communication skills. Key Responsibilities Category Strategy & Market Analytics (60%) • Market Data Translation and Strategic Insight: Act as the internal expert in translating complex market and category data-sourced primarily from platforms like Hoodie (the cannabis equivalent of Nielsen/IRI)-into clear, actionable business strategies. • Retail Partner Strategy: Develop and deliver highly strategic category reviews and assortment recommendations to the Sales team for use with key retail partners, particularly large Multi-State Operators (MSOs). The focus will be on building a bridge to make these MSOs more strategic, driving category growth for them, not just our brand. • Strategic Focus and Big-Picture Thinking: Analyze and distill complex performance data to determine: "Here is what's working, here is what's not working, and here is where we need to focus. " Provide leadership with proactive insights on emerging consumer and category trends. • Brand Agnostic Perspective: Develop recommendations that are brand agnostic, considering what is best for the overall category and the retail partner's environment, thereby building long-term trust and strategic alignment. Demand Planning & Commercial Collaboration (40%) • Demand Planning & Forecasting: Lead the demand planning process by developing and managing accurate, consensus-based sales forecasts at the SKU and category level, integrating market intelligence from Hoodie with sales and marketing plans. • Internal & External Communication: Serve as a great communicator, clearly articulating demand drivers, forecast risks, strategic market updates, and performance reports to internal stakeholders (Operations, Finance) and external sales partners. • Reporting & Visualization: Build, maintain, and automate regular reports and strategic dashboards using visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau to provide clear, big-picture visibility into category health and market performance. Qualifications • Experience: 5-7 years of professional experience in a Consumer Packaged Goods (Client) environment in a role focused on Demand Planning, Category Management, or Sales/Business Analytics. • Industry Preference: Prior experience in the cannabis industry is not necessary and candidates with broad, established Client experience are strongly preferred. • Data Proficiency: Proven, foundational ability to read, interpret, and identify trends and watch-outs in large, complex datasets. Must demonstrate basic fundamentals of data analytics. • Technical Skills: Proficiency in advanced Excel. Required experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau would be highly beneficial. • Mindset: Possesses a strategic, big-picture mindset with the ability to translate technical data into commercial strategy. • Location: Based in the New Jersey area. South Jersey is most preferred, with Philadelphia also an option. Welcome to ConsultNet and the family of companies, Tekne, SaltClick, TechBridge, and OmniMedia. As a premier national provider of technology talent and solutions, our expertise spans across project services, contract-to-hire, direct placement, and managed services both onshore and nearshore. Celebrating more than 25 years of partnership with a diverse client base, we've crafted rewarding opportunities for our consultants, fostering high-performing teams that deliver impactful results. Over the last few years thousands of consultants have found their calling with us in roles that have made a meaningful impact on their lives, enhanced their career, challenged them, and propelled them towards achieving their personal and professional goals. At the ConsultNet family of companies, we believe effective communication is crucial in aligning the right job with your unique skills and professional aspirations. To us, it's all about the personal approach we take and the values we uphold. Our comprehensive service offerings cover a wide range of technology positions across key markets nationwide. Client more at . We champion equality and inclusivity, proudly supporting an Equal Opportunity Employer policy. We welcome applicants regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other status protected by law.