CATEGORY SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: May 27, 2025 - The Category Professional demonstrates strong technical proficiency and hands-on experience in applying industry-specific tools and methodologies. This position exhibits a proven ability to solve complex problems, adapt to dynamic environments, and deliver results under pressure. This role combines analytical thinking with effective collaboration to support strategic goals and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Category Resume
  • Process Implementation
  • Reporting Tools
  • Payment Processing
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Data Analysis
  • Category Strategy
  • Cost Analysis
  • Program Execution
  • Market Evaluation
  • Sourcing Management
  • Stakeholder Relationships
  • Supplier Liaison
  • Issue Escalation
  • Manufacturer Engagement
  • Proactive Attitude
  • Team Collaboration
  • Client Understanding
  • Team Coaching
  • Supplier Engagement
  • Manager Support

Summary of Category Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Marketing with 4 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of syndicated data via IRI and/or Nielsen
  • Understanding of Consumer Data via Panel, Spectra, Shopper Sights, etc.
  • Understanding of Planogramming software, JDA/Intactix
  • Strong organization, communication and follow-up skills
  • Capable of managing multiple projects at once and able to prioritize/adapt quickly
  • Strong math and problem-solving skills
  • Proficient with PowerPoint and Excel, and able to utilize critical formulas and/or macros in Excel
  • Ability to resolve day-to-day problems and focus on delivering results
  • Ability to make an effective escalation decision
  • Good attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Able to prioritize in a complex, fast-paced environment, good time management skills
  • Proficiency in using ERP systems (e.g. SAP, ORACLE, Coupa) in large organizations
  • Experience in sourcing or Procurement

2. BA in Business Administration with 2 years of Experience

  • High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Windows, Outlook, Excel, Word, Project)
  • Solid knowledge of category management, marketing and sales principles
  • Knowledge and hands-on experience in the use of category management software tools, preferably the Blue Yonder suite
  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of the FMCG, category management and/or other related industries
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to professionally communicate and interact with both internal team members and external stakeholders on an ongoing basis
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise and execute tasks to meet deadlines as specified
  • Flexible and agile with the ability to work on multiple concurrent projects
  • Ability to communicate progress, developments and difficulties encountered on an ongoing basis
  • Effective time management to prioritise and execute tasks to meet deadlines as specified
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to professionally communicate, train and facilitate workshops and presentations to both small and large groups of varying levels of seniority

3. BS in Supply Chain Management with 3 years of Experience

  • Strong relationship building and negotiation skills with the ability to build and elicit trust
  • Ability to learn and adapt to change in a high-paced rapidly changing environment
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, Vlookup, functions, charting, etc), PowerPoint (graphic presentations, selling stories, etc) and Word
  • Strong analytical skills with proven ability to interpret data into key selling points that will drive brand and category growth
  • Experience with analytic/consumer insight tools (i.e. Retail Link, AC Nielsen, Market Track, etc.)
  • Ability to think outside the box to identify innovative solutions
  • Strong interpersonal skills that will drive collaboration across the team and organization
  • Experience supporting CPG sales team

4. BA in Economics with 2 years of Experience

  • Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles as applied by Caterpillar and our suppliers.
  • Understanding of QCLDM
  • Strong relationship building and negotiation skills with the ability to build and elicit trust
  • Ability to learn and adapt to change in a high-paced rapidly changing environment
  • Strong negotiation and excellent communication skills in English
  • Good knowledge of MS Office (e.g. Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Ability and interest to understand and read product-related requirements and specifications
  • Understanding and following the highest ethical standards and business principles
  • Experience working in an international corporate environment
  • Experience in purchasing in an automotive Tier 1 environment and/or electronics distributor
  • Experience in electronic design (product engineering) and/manufacturing of semiconductors

5. BS in Retail Management with 5 years of Experience

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project leadership skill
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills
  • Collaborate with process partners, suppliers and clients
  • Negotiation skills, able to interpret, analyze and negotiate contractual cost elements
  • Understanding of QCLDM
  • Experience in purchasing in automotive or off-highway drivetrain components
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
  • Strong knowledge of purchasing processes, systems, and tools
  • Ability to lead commercial contract negotiations with suppliers
  • Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles as applied by Caterpillar and suppliers
  • Capable of leading teams, suppliers and customers to effective solutions.
  • Strong negotiator, able to interpret, analyze and negotiate contractual cost elements, and problem solve

6. BA in International Business with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in visual merchandising, space planning and financial planning
  • Ability to consistently apply sound judgment, work professionally, ethically and effectively as a member of a high-performing team
  • Ability to establish rapport, a strong sense of partnership and maintain harmonious working relationships across all levels within the organization
  • Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent time management skills, ability to both own and support multiple projects, and effectively prioritize and manage a large volume of work in support of objectives
  • Ability to remain organized, pay strict attention to detail, and meet critical deadlines within a high-volume, fast-paced environment
  • Advanced knowledge of JDA Intactix Space platform, Oracle, SAS, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Ability to adhere to company work hours, policies, procedures and rules governing professional staff behavior

7. BS in Statistics with 4 years of Experience

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Nielsen/IRI, JDA (space management tool) and database management.
  • Clear understanding of how to pull data from Nielsen AOD or IRI Unify Platform (Syndicated POS), HH Panel and Retailer POS & Loyalty data.
  • Proven analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, uncover root causes of trends and deliver concise action-oriented recommendations on findings.
  • Ability to develop category stories leveraging consumer and shopper knowledge (Kantar, Mintel, etc.).
  • Understanding of qualitative and quantitative shopper and consumer insight surveys and how to apply to business case scenarios.
  • Ability of being able to establish and maintain effective relationships with the customer, gain trust and respect.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to be objective and think strategically.
  • Able to work independently and to plan, organize and set/achieve priorities.

8. BA in Consumer Behavior with 3 years of Experience

  • Proficiency in shopper data and analytics
  • Strong project management skills, ability to thrive in a matrix environment
  • Strong organization and communication skills both verbal and written
  • Advanced analytical abilities and techniques in not just understanding the data collected
  • Ability to develop intuitive and actionable insights
  • Ability to work cooperatively, cross-functionally and with customers, cultivating positive relationships and providing assistance and support to others to achieve common objectives
  • Strong financial acumen to calculate margins, business growth and declines, and promotional impacts
  • Knowledge of syndicated data and applications
  • Strong presentation and communication skills
  • Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt to different audiences
  • Strong functional knowledge of category management
  • Experience with dashboards

9. BS in Business Analytics with 2 years of Experience

  • Strong passion for alternative proteins and a passion to drive sales and product strategy to achieve targets
  • Track record of developing new/innovative product lines and developing/executing GTM strategies
  • Ability to maintain a high level of relevant domain knowledge to develop a meaningful conversation with sales prospects
  • Ability to make a presentation to senior management and decision makers
  • Ability to drive to help the industry embrace new alternative proteins
  • Ability to provide a total solution-based approach to gain share in the category
  • Ability to educate the customers about innovations with new base products
  • Strong communication and negotiation skills
  • Ability to multitask and be result-oriented

10. BA in Communications with 4 years of Experience

  • Able to work independently without close supervision, but a team player
  • Experience presenting to leadership around Category Responsibilities
  • System proficiency in including Ariba, SAP, Synertrade, QData
  • Good command of both written and spoken English and Chinese.
  • Experience with technical developments or implementation
  • Experience managing vendor relations, 3rd party suppliers, and distributors
  • Knowledgeable and proficient within Microsoft Office programs (Excel, PowerPoint etc), Data Tools
  • Good oral and verbal communication skills, team player, keen attention to detail, self-motivated and responsible
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment and strong analytical skills

11. BS in Finance with 3 years of Experience

  • Ability to understand information, develop insights and identify opportunities when analyzing large data sets
  • Ability to translate findings and recommendations into concise and effective storytelling
  • Ability to confidently present insights, opportunities and recommendations to internal stakeholders in a persuasive manner
  • Ability to independently lead and meet objectives in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment
  • Critical thinking and forward-looking vision and anticipation of future needs
  • Ability to cultivate teamwork and align objectives across diverse groups
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to operate at a strategic and tactical level
  • Moderate to Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Keynote

12. BA in Product Management with 2 years of Experience

  • Experience of multiple cultures and geographies
  • Experience working with Mounting Structure Products, Projects, and Solutions
  • Experience working in the Mechanics, Steel and Construction industries
  • Experience working on sustainability and supply chain matters and strategies
  • Excellent organizational and leadership skills
  • Competence in working strategically, an adequate track record
  • Strong interest in developing relationships with stakeholders
  • Ability to drive change processes

13. BS in Data Science with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience including strategic sourcing and vendor management, technology procurement (hardware & software), and negotiating vendor contracts
  • Extensive knowledge of software, hardware, & infrastructure technology and pricing models
  • Experience with the PeopleSoft, eProcurement (Coupa) and Spend Management systems
  • Knowledge of IT manufacturer Partner/Reseller Programs
  • Principles and practices of sourcing & purchasing goods and services
  • Solid understanding of the purchase-to-pay process
  • Strong negotiating and decision-making skills
  • Proficient at building and maintaining business relationships
  • Strong communication skills (verbal and written), including the ability to interact comfortably with executives and suppliers
  • Ability to effectively plan and manage multiple tasks and/or initiatives simultaneously
  • Strong work ethic and high level of integrity
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel

14. BA in Management with 4 years of Experience

  • Deep understanding of the assigned category (brands, supplier’s, etc.).
  • Proven track record of success in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
  • Proven track record of taking ownership and driving results.
  • Strong organizational skills including prioritizing, scheduling, and time management
  • Excellent analytical skills and Proficiency in Excel
  • Experience in negotiations and vendor management
  • Experience in retail, operations, and/or business management with a proven history of delivering results
  • Experience leading teams & cross-functional projects
  • Ability to think and react in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
  • Experience in vendor negotiations, pricing and promotion, inventory management, and product development
  • Advanced experience with Excel, or other analytical/Business Intelligence tools
  • Highly polished communication skills - speaking, writing, presenting and negotiating
  • Ability to operate simultaneously and effectively in both tactical and strategic modes

15. BS in Industrial Engineering with 3 years of Experience

  • In-depth experience and knowledge of Strategic Sourcing methodologies, including Category Management and Supplier Relationship Management.
  • Strong facilitation skills supported by excellent interpersonal competencies (communication, leadership, influencing)
  • Experience sourcing in the global marketplace.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of GxP, Quality Systems and procedures.
  • Understanding and compliance with applicable Sarbanes-Oxley requirements
  • Experience with Coupa (or other requisition-to-order platforms) and NetSuite (or other Finance systems) is highly desirable
  • Highly proficient in MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint. 
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining great attention to detail and managing priorities
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Ability to work sensitively with confidential materials.

16. BS in E-Commerce with 4 years of Experience

  • Proven project/change management skills
  • Leadership skills (either directly or indirectly) and proven ability to work in a cross-functional team and an international environment
  • Advanced negotiation skills while following KONE’s BENIM process.
  • Ability to proactively communicate/collaborate with different levels and functions in the organization. 
  • Ability to communicate appropriate and useful information to team members and stakeholders
  • Analytical and strategic thinking, problem solving and scenario generation skills
  • Ability to maintain flexibility in job priorities and cross-category functions
  • Strong leadership skills (direct or indirect) and the ability to develop an internal talent pool
  • Data management skills (SAP enterprise software skills)
  • Ability to execute tasks, turning strategy into actions
  • Strong understanding of strategic business acumen and understanding of the environment in which the organization works
  • Deep knowledge of contract management and favorable KONE terms
  • Understanding of the supplier market in the respective area of focus
  • Ability to seek out new and innovative ways of approaching situations or tasks. 
  • Ability to explore a range of possibilities for resolving a problem or issue.

17. BA in Advertising with 2 years of Experience

  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and analytical skills
  • Able to project authority in group settings and ability to express personal point of view in a constructive and direct manner
  • Ability to identify issues and resources to effectively resolve problems
  • Ability to display concise written and verbal communications to meet the needs of a diverse audience
  • Ability to try new approaches and help others through changes
  • Experience in building relationships and strategic alliances
  • Ability to create the right environment for teamwork
  • Effectively brings complex negotiations to a successful conclusion through personal initiative and accountability, achieves timely and desired results by effectively and efficiently prioritizing tasks and projects
  • Strong proficiency in Rigid and Print Packaging
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and develop teams.
  • Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Experience in Packaging sourcing or category management
  • Experience in exceeding goals in cost savings and supplier performance
  • Experience in developing relationships with suppliers that has led to improved quality and overall cost reductions
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