Senior Associate, Category Management

Simple Mills is a rapidly-growing company on the forefront of the clean food movement, transforming center store grocery aisles with products made from nutritious, purposeful ingredients. Simple Mills is a female-founded business, started by Katlin Smith in 2012 out of her own Kitchen. In the company’s short history, Simple Mills has disrupted the market to become the #1 bestselling natural baking mix, the #1 bestselling natural cracker, and the #1 bestselling natural cookie.

The company’s mission is to advance the holistic health of the planet and its people by positively impacting the way food is made. Simple Mills is distributed in 25,000+ stores nationally including Whole Foods, Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco and more, and available online at retailers like Amazon and Thrive Market. The brand’s newest products include: Organic Seed Flour Crackers, Seed & Nut Flour Sweet Thins, and Soft-Baked Almond Flour Bars. Simple Mills has earned broad recognition from top tier media and industry associations- including a segment on our Founder & CEO Katlin Smith on NPR’s How I Built This. Our products have been featured in a wide array of top publications including Vogue, Women's Health, Forbes, Business Insider, mindbodygreen, NOSH and many more. Simple Mills was also a 2020 Health Magazine Snack Award Winner!

Role Description

The Senior Associate, Category Management will play a critical role in advancing Simple Mills’ category leadership by leveraging data, managing tools, and transforming insights into fact-based selling stories.

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Category Management, this role will not only support the Sales team but also the broader organization by ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and accessibility across platforms and tools. In addition, this individual will collaborate closely with our Regional and Natural Sales teams to develop data-driven category recommendations that deliver growth for both Simple Mills and our retail partners.

Key Responsibilities

Category Management

• Collaborate with Sales to develop data-driven category recommendations that strengthen retailer partnerships and drive joint growth.

• Play an integral role in developing tailored customer selling stories for key Regional and Natural accounts, leveraging POS and shopper data to support line reviews and ad hoc requests.

• Support the evolution of Simple Mills’ “sell-in” narratives—anchored in data that demonstrates our leadership in the Better-For-You category and our ability to drive customer profit and growth.

• Partner with Sales to ensure insights are framed strategically for selling, not just reporting.

• Track and analyze promotional performance to inform future recommendations and improve ROI.

Data, Tools & Reporting

• Maintain and manage syndicated databases (e.g., Circana, Nielsen, SPINS), ensuring ongoing accuracy, integrity, and accessibility.

• Own the data quality process—monitor updates, identify inconsistencies, and proactively resolve discrepancies across data sources.

• Maintain and update standardized reporting tools and dashboards to support effective planning, performance reviews, and decision-making.

• Support the development of automated tools in Power BI or similar platforms to increase efficiency and data visibility.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with Sales and Marketing to ensure insights align with strategic priorities and brand growth plans.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to prepare for line reviews and customer meetings, supporting both behind-the-scenes analysis and active participation as needed.

• Work flexibly across projects, stepping in to support broader business initiatives as priorities evolve.

 Performs other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's Degree required
• 3+ years of experience in category management, retail insights, sales strategy, or commercial analytics.

• Retailer-facing experience preferred.
• Expert proficiency in syndicated data tools (SPINS, Nielsen/IRI, Circana) and experience with panel or shopper card data (e.g., Numerator, 84.51).
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, with a demonstrated ability to build story-driven, visually compelling presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Experience with Power BI or similar data visualization tools is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail, with a disciplined approach to data accuracy and consistency.
• Ability to interpret and synthesize data into clear, actionable stories that influence decision-making.
• Naturally curious, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Thrives in ambiguity and approaches problem-solving with initiative and creativity.
• A personal connection to the Simple Mills mission and a fervent desire to improve the food system to help people and the planet thrive.

Working at Simple Mills

At Simple Mills, we’re not just building a brand, we’re leading a movement that’s transforming how food is made and enjoyed. If you’re passionate about purpose-driven work and crave a role where you can have a meaningful impact, this is your chance to be part of something bigger. 

Why Join Us? 

• Be a Change-Maker 
  Play a key role in redefining the food industry, crafting products that nourish people and contribute to a healthier planet. 
• Thrive in a Mission-Driven Community 
  Work alongside a dynamic team of innovators and food lovers who are committed to positive change and bold ideas. 
• A Workplace Where You Belong 
  We foster an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of our culture, ensuring that everyone can thrive. 
• A Culture of Integrity and Impact 
  We don’t just talk about doing good, we live it. Our team is committed to ethical practices, responsible sourcing, and making decisions that drive real, positive change. 
• Grow with People-First Leadership 
  Our supportive leadership team is dedicated to mentorship, collaboration, and your long-term success. 
• Continuous Learning & Development 
  Whether through hands-on training, innovative learning platforms, or career growth opportunities, we invest in your professional development. 

At Simple Mills, you’ll have the chance to make an impact while working in a collaborative and inspiring environment. If you’re ready to shape the future of food, let’s talk. 

Benefits at Simple Mills

We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being, health, and overall quality of life.  

• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $90,000 to $100,000.

• Annual Bonus Opportunity: Eligible for an annual bonus as part of our commitment to recognizing team contributions and company success.
• Holistic Benefits: A variety of health, financial, and wellness programs to help you feel your best and plan for the future.
• Time to Recharge: We believe your best work comes when you have space to rest, refocus, and show up fully—our time off approach is built with that in mind.                  
• Everyday Well-Being: From lifestyle perks to product discounts, we find meaningful ways to support you in living simply and feeling well.

We’re committed to taking care of our people, so you can focus on making an impact.  

Work Model at Simple Mills  

• Remote working may be considered for qualified candidates from a designated location in the United States (the new hire’s permanent residence, as documented in our HR System, Rippling) if willing and able to travel regularly to the Chicago office. Sufficient internet access to support video conferencing required.  

Our work model is role-dependent and team focused. With remote, hybrid, or in-office positions, each role is classified by what best supports the needs of the team. 

At Simple Mills, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, past or present military service, physical or mental disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications. #LI-DNI 

Simple Mills is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Simple Mills will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].