Description Central Garden & Pet is seeking a Manager of Consumer & Shopper Insights. The successful candidate will be responsible for independently leading high-impact analytical workstreams that translate syndicated, panel, and consumer research data into clear, decision-driving recommendations.
This role operates with strong judgment and ownership-engaging directly with Business Unit, Sales, and Marketing leaders to frame questions, structure analysis, and deliver insights that influence portfolio strategy, innovation, assortment, and distribution decisions.
In addition to delivering insights, this role plays a critical part in maintaining analytical rigor, data integrity, and reporting consistency across sources including NIQ, Numerator, and Stackline.
This position is ideal for a highly accountable insights professional who combines structured thinking, strong business acumen, and operational discipline. We are seeking candidates who will office from our Walnut Creek, CA, or Schaumburg, IL corporate locations. We operate in a hybrid work environment that balances in-person collaboration with workplace flexibility. Employees are currently expected to work from the office at least three (3) days per week. Beginning in September 2026, our hybrid model will transition to four (4) in-office days per week to support greater collaboration, learning, and team connection.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Lead & Own Analytical Workstreams
- Independently manage assigned insight projects from business question through recommendation
- Translate ambiguous business needs into structured analytical frameworks
- Prioritize work based on business impact and stakeholder urgency
- Deliver outputs that are accurate, decision-relevant, and action-oriented
- Advanced Shopper & Consumer Analytics
- Conduct deep analysis using syndicated and panel data (NIQ, Numerator, Stackline)
- Evaluate penetration, buy rate, trips, distribution, cohort shifts, pricing, and velocity drivers
- Identify growth opportunities, white space, and competitive dynamics
- Build structured Excel models and data cuts to support scenario planning and opportunity sizing
- Move beyond reporting to provide clear implications and recommended actions
- Data Governance & Analytical Integrity
- Ensure analytical outputs align with standardized definitions and approved reporting frameworks
- Maintain documentation of analytical logic, assumptions, and methodologies
- Proactively identify discrepancies across data sources and recommend resolution paths
- Uphold high standards for data accuracy, version control, and confidentiality
- Support clean, consistent reporting environments that enable cross-functional trust
Innovation & Research Leadership
- Independently lead consumer research initiatives including concept testing, claims testing, and preference studies
- Draft research briefs and manage external partners as needed
- Translate findings into strategic recommendations for innovation and brand teams
- Support learning agendas tied to new product launches and marketing optimization
Stakeholder Partnership & Influence
- Engage directly with Business Unit and Sales leaders to clarify scope and align on decision needs
- Present findings confidently to cross-functional and senior audiences
- Provide thoughtful pushback when data does not support assumptions
- Drive clarity in situations involving conflicting metrics or ambiguous performance signals
- Judgment & Operational Discipline
- Balance analytical rigor with speed and business relevance
- Manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment
- Demonstrate ownership, follow-through, and accountability for commitments
- Operate with professionalism and sound judgment when handling confidential information
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and other job duties may be assigned from time to time.
QUALIFICATIONS - Strong ability to frame problems, analyze complex data sets, and synthesize insights into clear recommendations
- Advanced Excel proficiency (data modeling, scenario evaluation, structured analysis)
- Experience working with syndicated and panel data (NIQ, Numerator, IRI, Stackline, or similar)
- Experience building executive-ready presentations that clearly communicate implications
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to operate independently in ambiguous situations
- High standards for analytical rigor, accuracy, and follow-through
- Professional, customer-oriented mindset with sound judgment when working with diverse stakeholders
- Ability to handle confidential customer, business, and product information with integrity
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION - Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Analytics, Economics, Psychology, or a related discipline
- 5-7 years of experience in consumer insights, shopper insights, analytics, or related roles
- Pet industry experience a plus, but not required
- Experience in consumer packaged goods, retail, or eCommerce preferred
- Experience with syndicated data, consumer research, or panel analytics strongly preferred
- Advanced degree in analytics, research and/or marketing a plus, but not required
POSITION INFORMATION - This position pays $100,000 - $120,000 per year depending on experience and geographic location. This position is also eligible for a management incentive bonus based on individual and company performance.
BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS - Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Free Life and Disability Insurance
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
- Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to thousands of free online courses
- Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
- Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
- Referral Program with cash bonus
- Access to on-demand pay
- Paid parental leave
