Category Analyst - Grocery Impulse

Job Description:
Mars: Where your Tomorrow Starts Today!
Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We’re behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, NUTRI GRAIN®, COCO POPS®, PRINGLES®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, BEN’S ORIGINAL ® MASTERFOODS ® and ROYAL CANIN® ORIJEN® ACANA® . We are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.
Join us in building a sustainable future where people, communities, and the planet can truly thrive.
Segment: Mars Snacking ANZ
Role Title: Category Analyst – Grocery Impulse
Location: Melbourne, Vic
Hours: Full-time
Reporting to: Head of Category Development
Every day, millions of shoppers grab their favourite treats on the go, making the Grocery Impulse space one of the fastest-moving, highest-
visibility, and commercially dynamic environments in Australian retail.
We are looking for a commercially driven, curious, and data-savvy Category Analyst – Grocery Impulse to join our high-performing Category Development team.
Reporting directly to the Head of Category Development and partnering daily with our Category Development Lead, you will unlock actionable shopper and category insights across the gum, mints, snack bars, and transaction zones. Working hand-in-hand with our Coles and Woolworths customer teams, you will turn data into category-defining recommendations that cement Mars as an indispensable category captain.
What You’ll Do
Category Insights & Trend Analysis: Analyse segment, customer, and channel performance data to identify headroom for growth, pinpoint category drivers, and develop data-backed commercial recommendations for major grocery retailers.
Customer Collaboration & Range Reviews: Partner closely with internal Woolworths and Coles account teams and key retail buyers. Deliver robust range reviews, assortment assessments, and macro/micro space recommendations that drive mutual category growth.
Planograms & Perfect Store Execution: Create data-driven planograms to maximize shopper conversion in the main aisle, transaction zones, and secondary displays.
Advanced Analytics & Reporting Innovation: Deliver high-quality periodic category reporting while championing automation, predictive analytics, and self-serve dashboarding to elevate how the broader commercial team accesses data.
Shopper Hypotheses & Test & Learns: Design and evaluate store-level trials and strategic test-and-learn initiatives using scanning and customer loyalty platforms (Nielsen, Quantium, Synergy).
Strategic Alignment: Act as the operational conduit between long-term category strategy and short-to-medium term executional plans, supporting the strategic priorities.
What You’ll Bring
We are seeking an energetic analyst who blends analytical firepower with commercial instincts and great storytelling:
Background: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, Economics, Marketing, or a related field.
Experience: 1–3+ years of category, commercial analytics, or sales insights experience within a blue-chip FMCG / CPG business or top-tier data agency.
Analytical Toolkit: Proven proficiency working with scan and shopper data platforms (e.g., NielsenIQ, Circana/IRI, Quantium) alongside space management/planogramming software (e.g., JDA/Blue Yonder, Spaceman).
Insight to Action: A demonstrated ability to synthesize disparate data sources into clear, visually compelling stories that influence customer buyers and internal stakeholders alike.
Retail Acumen: Understanding of Australian grocery dynamics, retailer rhythms, ranging processes, and merchandising principles.
Mindset: Proactive, collaborative, and action-oriented, with strong organizational agility and the confidence to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Why you’ll love working for Mars:
· Purpose: Help craft beloved brands with a legacy of over 100 years of local manufacturing making products that people and pets will love all while helping to build a more sustainable future.
· People: A culture that values your contributions, fosters leadership, and recognises the impact you make. Your work truly matters here.
· Development: Shape your career with personalised development and real opportunities to grow from day one.
· Enjoy a team and business environment that is invested in helping you manage and grow your energy for work and life.