Manager - Category (Target)
Minneapolis, United States
Own the business, not just the sale.
Commercial roles here go far beyond a standard sales pitch. You will operate in a true O+O (Offline + Online) environment, connecting physical shelves with digital carts across everything from mass market to luxury boutiques and social commerce. The expectations are high: you will negotiate directly with major retailers, take early ownership of your strategy, and manage a real P&L (Profit and Loss). If you want to build sharp omnichannel skills and see your decisions directly impact how the world buys our iconic brands, this is where you do it.
Skills you'll sharpen here
- Business opportunities identification
- P&L management
- Sustainable business model design
- Negotiation
- Activation excellence
- Omnichannel experience design
As well as these, L'Oréal employees are upksilled in AI fluency, data fluency, and critical thinking.
How we do business?
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You won’t be boxed into a single channel.
You’ll navigate a massive Offline plus Online (O+O) ecosystem, from mass retail and pharmacies to luxury boutiques and e-commerce, working alongside Marketing to connect physical shelves to digital carts..
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Expect early ownership and a steep learning curve.
You won’t sit on the sidelines. You will manage real budgets, drive live negotiations, and deliver immediate business impact. To back you up, our Commerce University will arm you with the exact omnichannel skills needed to thrive here.
Manager - Category (Target)
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Job Title:Manager, Skincare Category Development - L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty (LDB)
Division:L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty
Department: Commercial Category Management
Reports To:Sr. Category Manager
Location:Minneapolis, MN
Who We Are:
For more than a century, L’Oréal has devoted its energy, innovation, and scientific excellence solely to one business: Beauty. Our goal is to offer each and every person around the world the best of beauty in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity and responsibility to satisfy all beauty needs and desires in their infinite diversity.
At L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty, our mission is to help everyone in their quest for healthy and beautiful skin. Our division is the world leader in dermo-cosmetics by adding health to beauty. Our brands portfolio includes CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, Vichy, SkinCeuticals and Skinbetter Science offering a range of skincare and haircare products to respond to all expectations linked to beauty and health of the skin.
What You Will Do:
Are you a highly strategic and insights-driven Category Manager? If you possess a profound passion for the beauty sector and a proven ability to translate market intelligence into robust growth strategies, this role is for you. You will be instrumental in optimizing category performance and leading targeted growth initiatives with our key retail partner, influencing outcomes through your expert analysis and strategic recommendations.
This critical role will leverage deep shopper understanding, market analysis, strong analytical skills and omni-channel expertise to accelerate the growth of Skin care portfolio at the assigned retailer. The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative individual, possessing superior analytical skills and an in-depth understanding of the retail landscape, with the ability to effectively translate observations and data into actionable insights.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive category analysis to effectively shape and direct our overarching Facial Skincare category strategy.
- Develop and execute category strategies that align with retailer objectives, leveraging competitive trends, market data, shopper and consumer insights.
- Strategically enhance product assortments by refining the product mix, optimizing placement, integrating innovative strategies, and aligning with current category trends.
- Activate the category strategy by designing and implementing both virtual and physical planograms that drive execution and enhance shopper experience.
- Partner cross-functionally with Buyers, Planners, SEM and Space Planning teams to ensure cohesive execution of category initiatives.
- Deliver actionable shopper and market insights by translating syndicated data sources such as NielsenIQ, Market360, Numerator, Spate, Suzy panel research, Ipsos panel research, social engagement tools, Retailer loyalty system, bespoke shopper studies (CDJ’s, Shopper Perception, UX studies, Merchandizing Studies and external market research (ex. Euromonitor, Kantar, Kline, Mintel).
- Serve as the category subject matter expert, influencing key decisions by providing internal stakeholders and retail partners with fact-based, strategic recommendations.
Measures of Success:
- Deliver quality Internal and external strategic insights
- Category growth at assigned retailer
- Collaborate with the retailer to develop category strategies
- Strong cross-functional partnerships at assigned retailer
- Deliver category projects such as category reviews, test concept proposals, online and in-store competative assessments.
- Deliver shopper-centric planograms that reflect best-in-class merchandising principles
- Drive shopper penetration at assigned retailer
What We Are Looking For:
We are seeking a highly driven and results-oriented professional who can effectively translate comprehensive market and shopper insights into actionable strategies. This individual will be instrumental in driving profitable growth for the Skincare portfolio within an assigned retail account. The successful candidate will possess a profound understanding of category management principles, exceptional analytical capabilities, and a proven ability to strategically influence both internal teams and external stakeholders.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a category management role, Target experience preferred.
- Demonstrated success in landing range reviews, developing retailer strategies, and executing impactful projects.
- Proven ability to generate actionable insights.
- Strong knowledge of shopper insights and their application to category management.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to provide structured recommendations and drive action plans.
- Strong analytical skills and experience with data tools - VIQ, Numerator, Nielsen.
- Proficiency with planogram software - Blue Yonder/JDA.
- Beauty experience a plus.
- Reference number: 243510
- Location: Minneapolis, United States
- Date posted: 09/29/2026
- Employment type: Full-time
- Professional field: Commerce
- Type of contract: Permanent
- Business Development
AI Charter: our pact
Why a Pact? At L’Oréal, innovation has been in our DNA for over 115 years. As we invent the future of beauty, we see Artificial Intelligence as a powerful co-pilot, with the firm belief that technology must always serve people. This pact is our commitment to you: we want to be transparent about how we use AI during the recruitment journey, and we invite you to use it in a way that showcases your unique talents. Above all, we believe in a journey that is ethical, transparent, and human.
View our AI Charter (opens in new window)
What our people say
Commerce here moves fast, but you have total autonomy. You can go deep as an RGM expert or go broad across divisions and business models. You build the path you want.
Adam, Chief Growth Officer - Luxe, SAPMENA
What we bring to the table
Please note: The exact benefits can vary depending on your country.
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A Competitive Salary to Secure Your Talent
Our Share & Care commitment ensures you receive a competitive monthly salary that stands out locally, recognizing your contribution to our success.
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Your Health & Well-being First
You'll have access to medical coverage and a range of wellness resources, including mental health support, to ensure you feel your best.
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Unlock Your Potential
From day one, you get full access to our global learning platform with over 10,000 courses to build the skills for your future career.
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Flexibility for a Balanced Life
Find your perfect balance. We offer a hybrid work model and flexible arrangements, so you can manage your professional and personal life effectively throughout your career.
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The Ultimate L'Oréal Experience
Get generous discounts on our entire portfolio of iconic brands and be the first to try our latest product innovations.
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Thriving Community
Enjoy a dynamic work environment designed for connection and growth. From modern, collaborative offices to exciting social events, you'll be part of an ultra-connected network.
Think you’d be a great fit? We’d love to see you apply.
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