How to Become a Category Analyst?

Category Analysis plays a significant role in business as it provides a deep understanding of customer experiences, rising trends in the market, information about competitors and their marketing strategies, hence allowing businesses to lead the industry. A Category analyst is responsible for drawing upon strategically gathered data to make decisions related to sales, marketing, and other business operations. Here’s how you can become a Category Analyst. 

Typical Job Responsibilities 

1. Assisting Category Managers in developing category management strategies. 
2. Assisting in sales and profitability of assigned categories through analysis of performance data.
3. Assisting in planning promotional activities and sales events for assigned categories.
4. Working with suppliers and third-party vendors to negotiate pricing contracts.
5. Developing cost-reduction techniques by conducting data analysis and studying the current operational policies in the market.
6. Reviewing business activities and providing feedback to the respective management.
7. Developing all the necessary documentation related to category management and sales activities.
8. Creating business presentations and sales proposals as required.
9. Assisting in developing advertising and promotional strategies for business growth.
10. Conducting a post-promotion investigation to study the marketing impact of the brand.
11. Assisting to prepare customized reports for management when required.
12. Providing guidance to the sales team to meet the revenue goals of the company.

Skills Required

There are many skills that a Category Analyst must possess in order to fulfil the above-mentioned responsibilities. Listed below are the skills required:

1. Computer Skills such as Apollo, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. 
2. Data Analysis for reviewing, interpreting and using different methods for data collection 
3. Market Research
4. Strategic Sourcing
5. Actionable Insights
6. Space Management
7. Business Planning

How to Become a Category Analyst?

To become a Category Analyst, you must be aware of the qualifications needed. It is possible to become a Category Analyst with a high school education but most employers recruit those with either bachelor’s or a master’s degree in a subject relevant to the respective industry. 

Earn a Degree

You can opt for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Business Administration, finance, Economics, Supply chain Management, Marketing or a related business field. 

Choose a Speciality

You may be required to choose a speciality within your field. Make sure you choose a Category Analyst speciality that enables you to bring the best yourself. 

Begin with your career

Once you’ve obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or a related field, you’ll typically start your career as a Category Analyst in an Entry level position. 

Career Advancement

To advance your career in a senior-level position, you’ll be required to obtain a master’s degree. Give at least 2 years to gain experience as an entry-level Category Analyst and further opt for a master’s degree in business or related subjects for getting a seniority level position. 

As mentioned earlier, not all industries require a professional with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, earning a bachelor’s and a higher level of degree such as a master’s degree can help you get high paying positions. 

Top Universities to Become Category Analyst

Listed below are the top universities offering Bachelor’s and Master’s courses in subjects such as Business, Marketing, Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management or related.

University	Subjects/Courses
Georgia Institute of Technology	Business Analytics
New York University	Business Analytics
Columbia University	Business Analytics
McGill University	Business Analytics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Supply chain management Business Analytics
Manchester University	Supply chain management
Bath University	Supply chain management
HEC Paris	Marketing
Imperial College	Marketing

Category Analyst- Scope, Salary and Top Recruiters

According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the career is expected to grow 20% and produce 139,200 job opportunities by 2028. Top recruiters who hire Category Analysts areas listed below:

1. Nestle
2. PepsiCo
3. Coca Cola
4. Amazon
5. Flipkart

After gaining relevant experience and qualifications as a Category Analyst, you can advance your career as 

• Category Manager
• Business Analyst
• Development Manager

The average salary of a Category Analyst in different countries is as mentioned below:

Country	Average Salary per annum	Amount in INR
India	INR 7,26,676	—
USA	USD 55,000	41,44,937
UK	£27,500	27,22,830
Canada	CAD 54,801	33,14,690
Australia	AUD 69,971	40,23,997

FAQs

This was all you needed to know about becoming a Category Analyst. Do you want to pursue your higher studies abroad in Business, Economics, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or more? Reach out to Leverage Edu and we’ll provide you with assistance regarding your study abroad journey.