Category / Trade Analyst (hybrid in Aurora, IL)

The Category / Trade Analyst supports the development and execution of commercial strategies by providing analytical insights, project coordination, and cross-functional support. This role helps drive business performance through data-driven decision making, commercialization support, and retailer-focused initiatives while building the skills necessary to assume greater ownership of strategic projects and customer accounts over time.

Responsibilities

• Support Category Management: Develop fact-based category reviews, assortment recommendations, retailer presentations, and business planning materials.
• Support Trade & Shopper Marketing Programs: Assist with promotional planning, shopper marketing initiatives, retail activation, and performance measurement.
• Execute Go-To-Market Initiatives: Support coordination of product launches, commercialization activities, and customer activation programs to ensure successful market execution.
• Deliver Commercial Insights: Analyze sales, shopper, customer, and category data to identify growth opportunities, business risks, and actionable recommendations.
• Maintain Commercial Processes & Tools: Manage reporting systems, commercial databases, retailer information, budget tracking, and sales enablement resources to support efficient business operations.
• Support Business Execution: Assist with customer meetings, trade shows, broker partner requests, retailer inquiries, and other administrative or operational activities that support commercial objectives.
• Drive Cross-Functional Coordination: Partner with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, and external partners to manage projects, track deliverables, and support commercial planning activities.
• Lead Special Projects & Development Opportunities: Conduct ad hoc analyses, support strategic initiatives, and gradually assume ownership of smaller customer accounts and cross-functional projects as experience grows.

Qualifications

• Degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Local with the ability to work a hybrid schedule, 3 days/week on-site in Aurora, IL.
• 2+ years of experience in CPG, Retail, Sales, Marketing, Category Management, Shopper Marketing, Trade Marketing, or related business functions, including relevant internship or co-op experience (within CPG, retail, analytics, or commercialization functions).
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and reporting tools, with experience analyzing sales, shopper, category, market, or retailer data to generate actionable business insights. Experience with syndicated/retailer data sources (e.g., Circana/Nielsen, POS data) and space planning software is a plus.
• Knowledge of Trade Marketing, Shopper Marketing, Go-To-Market Strategy, and Category Management, including promotions, retail activation, assortment optimization, and commercialization preferred.
• Strong project management, communication, organizational, and business planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and collaborate across functions.
• Strong business acumen, problem-solving skills, initiative, and leadership potential.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Freudenberg Group is a privately held global organization headquartered in Germany. With a presence in 60 countries and a workforce exceeding 50,000 employees, the Freudenberg Group operates across 40 distinct market segments and generates annual sales of more than €11 billion. Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions (FHCS), also known as Freudenberg Household Products (FHP) in North America, is a company of the Freudenberg Group and consists of two business areas: the consumer business and the professional applications business. In both segments, we drive innovation for cleaning systems, household and laundry care products. In fiscal year 2024, we achieved sales of more than 1.3 billion euros. As part of a family-run group of companies with a history spanning over 175 years, at FHCS we develop products that make places cleaner – and life a little easier. We have a passion for cleaning that drives everything we do.

With our two business divisions, Consumer and Professional, we have a powerful brand portfolio. Since 1948, we have been expanding continuously and are now represented in 35 countries with the products of our nine brands. In the U.S., O-Cedar is our established consumer brand, while in Canada, it’s known as Vileda. Our professional product line is marketed under the Vileda Professional brand.

Since 2003, O-Cedar has been part of our brand portfolio. In the US, our O-Cedar brand has been providing leading cleaning solutions for households for more than 115 years. As the number one brand for floor cleaning products, O-Cedar impresses with innovative bestsellers such as the EasyWring RinseClean Microfiber Spin Mop System and the PowerCorner PetPro Angle Broom. Our portfolio, tailored to the needs of US consumers, combines performance, hygiene, and convenience, making O-Cedar the fastest-growing brand in the US market.

Our company culture is based on six core principles that shape our everyday work:

• Multicultural & International: Our teams are placed in over 30 countries. We bring diverse perspectives from around the globe and form an environment which fosters innovation & success.
• Caring & Belonging: Our organization is supportive, valuing and including everyone. We nurture this sense of belonging and care about each employee.
• Co-Creative & Collaborative: Collaboration is at the heart of our Culture. We believe in co-creating solutions by harn­essing the collective Creativity, Curiosity & Expertise of our team.
• Achieving & Impacting: Our achiever mindset propels us to overcome challenges and consistently reach new levels. Our actions and initiatives are driven by a desire to create positive, lasting impact.
• Open & Approachable: We foster open communication and appro­achability. Our leaders value transparency across the organization, encouraging the sharing of ideas freely.
• Acknowledging & Encouraging: We appreciate the unique strengths that everyone brings to our organization. We en­courage our employees to grow and achieve their personal and professional goals.

At Freudenberg, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. From competitive salaries and health insurance to professional development opportunities and work-life balance initiatives, we are committed to providing a rewarding and supportive work environment. Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your future.