Category Development Associate Manager

There’s Always a Seat at Our Bar 

The Lagunitas Brewing Company began on a kitchen stove in Northern California in 1993 and has always looked to the future – whether supporting local communities by turning beer into money for the cause, or fueling stories, songs, and experiences with our IPA. Wherever you go: Beer Speaks, People Mumble. 

What You’ll Get

• Benefits – Awesome coverage for: Medical, Dental & Vision
• Time off - Approx 33 days off in your first year (combo of vacay, holidays and personal days)
• Retirement – up to 5% contribution on 401K plan
• BEER – and non-alcoholic Lagunitas beverages
• Schwag – 50% off food and merch
• Gym Membership – $50 monthly reimbursement for that beer belly (or at least to prevent it)
• Pet Insurance – keep your fur babies covered with pet insurance options
• Skills to Pay the Bills – professional development, 24/7 operation
• Flexibility – Hybrid Schedule (3 days Onsite; 2 days remote) – Based In Petaluma
• It’s Friday, Ya’ll – Get Paid every other Friday; Annual salary ranging between $76,000 – $85,500

The Gist

The Category Development Associate Manager is a multifaceted role that will provide analytical support across the Lagunitas organization. In this role, you will develop and execute analytical capabilities to the Lagunitas Sales team as well as provide syndicated data support to the Executive Management, Finance, Marketing, and Category Development teams.

Reporting to the Lagunitas CatDev Manager – and sitting within as well as partnering with the HEINEKEN USA organization – you will use your creativity and data knowledge to build the category- and customer- centric insights training for the Lagunitas Sales team. Primarily in support of, but not limited to, Target, Publix, Total Wine & HEB. In this role, you will be responsible for partnering with the HEINEKEN USA Capabilities Senior Manager to ensure consistency across both Lagunitas and HUSA. You will also leverage your syndicated data knowledge to provide ongoing reporting, category insights, and ad hoc data support across multiple teams at Lagunitas.

This is a Hybrid role in Petaluma, CA: 3 days onsite / 2 days offsite.

What You’ll Do

• Partner directly with the HUSA Capabilities Senior Manager to share best practices and drive consistency of Category and Sales capabilities assets.
• Act as an internal resource for syndicated data and insights including support for new product launches and competitive research.
• Support the Lagunitas Finance and Executive Management teams with sales data and insights needed during the Annual Planning process.
• Develop and update commercial strategy reports for senior leadership to track sales and marketing key initiatives.
• Support the Lagunitas Category Development Manager with insights to help identify and drive Craft and Lagunitas volume and distribution growth opportunities at top retail customers.

What We’re Lookin’ For

• Bachelor’s Degree or Relevant Experience
• Must have Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel experience
• 2-3 years Category / Shopper experience OR experience with insights tools such as AC Nielsen, IRI, or Numerator
• Exposure to Panel and Shopper Loyalty Card data preferred.
• CPG / Adult Beverage Industry experience preferred.
• Minimum 21 Years of Age (at time of hire)

Preferred Qualifications (All of the above, plus…

• A strong, confident, engaging self-starter with category (or shopper) knowledge and a desire to break down barriers and collaborate at the highest level. Strong business acumen and ability to effectively communicate across different internal stakeholders. Knows how to ask for forgiveness before permission and possesses the emotional intelligence to get the job done. Willing to take risks while still building strong collaborative relationships.

Key Relationships

• Reporting to the Lagunitas CatDev Manager
• Supporting National Account Managers & Directors. Primarily in support of, but not limited to, the role’s priority accounts
• Partnering the HEINEKEN USA CatDev Team

Physical Stuff

• Typical office environment (by Lagunitas standards)
• Hybrid work policy: Required to be in the Petaluma office at least 3x per week in order to foster collaboration and serve as a culture carrier for the organization
• Travel approximately 20% per year

Come as You Are 

At Lagunitas, we welcome people (and dogs) from all walks of life. Anyone, regardless of their race, creed, nation of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, veteran status, marital status, or age, has a home here. Love, progress, and acceptance will always have a seat at our bar.