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Mar 5, 2026

Senior Director of Customer Strategic Insights & Category Management – Data‑Driven Growth, Storytelling, and Market Leadership for CPG Innovators

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```html About arenaflex – Pioneering Consumer‑Centric Growth in the CPG Landscape arenaflex is a global leader in consumer packaged goods (CPG) innovation, dedicated to turning deep consumer insights into market‑defining strategies. With a heritage of combining rigorous analytics, compelling storytelling, and collaborative partnership, arenaflex helps brands unlock untapped opportunities across retail, foodservice, and on‑premise channels. Our mission is simple: empower our customers to anticipate evolving consumer preferences, shape category direction, and achieve sustainable, profitable growth. Why This Role Matters The Director of Customer Strategic Insights sits at the strategic crossroads of data, narrative, and action. In this senior position, you will own the end‑to‑end process of category management, driving insight‑led initiatives that shape both arenaflex’s and our customers’ future. Your expertise will influence product development, promotional planning, and go‑to‑market tactics across a portfolio that serves millions of consumers worldwide. Key Responsibilities – Crafting Insight‑Driven Success - Lead Category Management Strategy: Design, implement, and continuously refine category growth plans that align with both arenaflex’s corporate objectives and the strategic goals of our client partners. - Customer Insight Generation: Oversee primary research initiatives—from concept testing and ethnographic studies to large‑scale quantitative surveys—ensuring rigorous methodology, budget adherence, and actionable deliverables. - Data Storytelling & Advocacy: Translate complex data sets from arenaflex’s foodservice platforms, market intelligence tools, and external research sources into clear, compelling narratives that drive decision‑making across senior leadership and client teams. - Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with marketing, sales, finance, supply chain, and innovation teams to embed insights into product pipelines, promotional calendars, and pricing strategies. - Client Engagement & Relationship Building: Serve as the primary strategic liaison for key accounts, conducting regular business reviews, presenting insights, and co‑creating growth roadmaps that deliver measurable ROI. - Thought Leadership & Market Trend Monitoring: Stay ahead of emerging consumer trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory shifts; proactively share forward‑looking analyses with both internal and external stakeholders. - Project & Budget Ownership: Manage the full lifecycle of research projects, including scope definition, vendor selection, timeline management, and financial stewardship. - Performance Measurement: Establish KPIs to evaluate the impact of insight‑driven initiatives, reporting results to senior leadership and iterating strategies for continuous improvement. - Champion End‑to‑End Initiatives: Drive initiatives from ideation through execution, fostering a culture of accountability, agility, and results‑orientation. Essential Qualifications – Building on a Strong Foundation - Minimum 8 years of professional experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG), with a proven track record in category management, market research, or strategic consulting. - Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Statistics, or a related field; an MBA or advanced graduate degree is highly preferred. - Demonstrated experience engaging directly with customers—understanding their challenges, objectives, and decision‑making processes. - Hands‑on experience designing, executing, and managing primary research projects, with a solid grasp of budgeting and vendor management. - Familiarity with the foodservice and on‑premise channel dynamics, including knowledge of menu development, outlet segmentation, and outlet‑level data analytics. - Executive‑level presentation experience—comfortably delivering insights and recommendations to senior leaders within both arenaflex and client organizations. - Consulting or sales background that emphasizes analytical rigor, solution‑selling, and the ability to influence cross‑functional teams. - Proven record of delivering sustainable, quantifiable business results that align with strategic growth objectives. - Extensive use of arenaflex’s foodservice data sources and subscribed analytics platforms, leveraging these tools to uncover actionable insights. - Strong championing mindset—ability to own initiatives from concept through implementation, driving alignment and execution across diverse stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications & Add‑On Skills - Advanced statistical analysis proficiency (e.g., SAS, R, Python) and experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI. - Certification in market research methodologies (e.g., MRS, MRIA) or category management frameworks (e.g., ACN, Nielsen). - Experience with digital transformation initiatives, including the integration of AI‑driven predictive modeling into category planning. - Fluency in multiple languages or experience managing global accounts, enhancing cross‑cultural insight delivery. - Track record of publishing industry‑leading whitepapers, case studies, or conference presentations that position arenaflex as a thought leader. Core Competencies for Success - Strategic Vision: Ability to see the big picture, anticipate market shifts, and translate insights into forward‑thinking strategies. - Analytical Rigor: Strong quantitative skills combined with qualitative intuition to extract meaning from complex data sets. - Storytelling Mastery: Crafting narratives that resonate with both data‑savvy executives and non‑technical business partners. - Influence & Negotiation: Persuasive communication style that drives consensus and alignment across siloed functions. - Leadership & Mentorship: Building high‑performing teams, fostering professional development, and cultivating a collaborative culture. - Adaptability: Thriving in fast‑paced environments, managing multiple priorities, and embracing change. - Customer Obsession: Deep empathy for client needs, translating those needs into strategic action plans. Career Growth & Learning Opportunities at arenaflex arenaflex invests heavily in the professional development of its leaders. In this role, you will gain: - Direct exposure to global marketing and category leadership, expanding your strategic network across continents. - Opportunities to lead high‑visibility, cross‑functional projects that shape the future of the CPG category landscape. - Access to cutting‑edge analytics platforms, AI tools, and industry research subscriptions, ensuring you stay at the forefront of insight technology. - Mentorship programs pairing you with senior executives who can accelerate your leadership trajectory. - Sponsored certifications, advanced training workshops, and tuition reimbursement for further education. - Potential pathways to senior executive roles such as Vice President of Category Strategy, Global Head of Consumer Insights, or Chief Marketing Officer. Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex At arenaflex, we champion a culture where curiosity meets execution. Our workplace embodies: - Innovation‑Friendly Atmosphere: Teams are encouraged to experiment, take calculated risks, and share bold ideas without fear of failure. - Collaborative Spirit: Open‑plan spaces, virtual collaboration tools, and regular cross‑department brainstorms break down silos. - Diversity & Inclusion: We celebrate diverse perspectives, ensuring every voice contributes to our strategic narrative. - Work‑Life Integration: Flexible schedules, hybrid work options, and generous paid‑time‑off policies support personal well‑being. - Recognition Programs: Quarterly awards, peer‑nomination accolades, and performance bonuses honor exceptional contributions. Compensation, Perks & Benefits arenaflex offers a competitive total rewards package designed to attract and retain top talent: - Base salary commensurate with experience, positioned at the high end of the market for senior directors. - Performance‑based annual bonus tied to individual, team, and company outcomes. - Equity incentives (stock options or RSUs) offering long‑term ownership in arenaflex’s success. - Comprehensive health benefits—including medical, dental, vision, and mental‑health resources. - Retirement savings plan with generous employer matching contributions. - Paid parental leave, family‑care assistance, and flexible work‑arrangement policies. - Professional development stipend, tuition reimbursement, and internal learning platforms. - Wellness programs, on‑site fitness facilities where available, and employee assistance programs. - Employee discount program for arenaflex products and partner brands. How to Apply – Join the Insight‑Driven Future at arenaflex If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for turning data into decisive action, and you thrive in a fast‑moving, collaborative environment, we want to hear from you. Bring your expertise, curiosity, and leadership to arenaflex and help shape the next generation of consumer experiences. Apply Now – Transform Insight into Impact! ```