category manager(J105096)

Summary of Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following

Innovation & Product Development

Lead end-to-end beverage innovation from ideation through commercial launch, translating consumer trends and market insights into differentiated product offerings that drive brand relevance and business growth.

Manage the full NPD lifecycle, including concept validation, formulation, testing, and go-to-market execution with cross-functional partners.

Build and maintain a robust beverage innovation pipeline that balances quick-win line extensions with breakthrough platform innovations.

Category Business Management

• Own P&L accountability for the beverage category, driving top-line revenue growth, margin improvement, and market share expansion.
• Develop and execute category strategies, pricing architecture, and portfolio optimization plans to maximize business performance.
• Analyze sales data, consumer insights, and competitive landscape to identify growth opportunities and mitigate category risks.

Cross-functional Leadership & Execution

• Lead cross-functional teams (R&D, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain) to align on product vision, priorities, and launch timelines.
• Establish clear KPIs and post-launch performance tracking mechanisms to measure success and drive continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary category expert and strategic partner to senior leadership on beverage portfolio decisions.

Required Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

◆ 6–8 years of progressive experience in product management, brand management, or category management, with 5+ years focused on beverage innovation in F&B, retail, or premium CPG environments.

◆ Proven track record of successfully launching innovative beverage products that delivered measurable business results.

◆ Demonstrated experience in end-to-end new product development from concept to commercialization.

◆ Strong business acumen with P&L management experience and a data-driven approach to decision making.

◆ Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving alignment across multiple stakeholders.

◆ Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

◆ Exceptional beverage innovation capability – ability to translate consumer trends and market insights into compelling, commercially viable product concepts.

◆ Strategic category management mindset – balances long-term brand building with short-term commercial objectives.

◆ Strong analytical skills with proficiency in interpreting sales data, consumer research, and competitive intelligence.

◆ Excellent project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

◆ Bilingual in English & Chinese (written and verbal).

◆ Genuine passion for beverage culture, coffee, tea, and emerging consumer trends.

Leadership Core Competencies in Starbucks

• ◆ Creating a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome by demonstrating authenticity and inclusion.
• ◆ Acting with courage, challenging the status quo by demonstrating candor, innovation and courage.
• ◆ Being present, connecting with transparency, dignity and respect by demonstrating trust-based relationships
• ◆ Delivering our very best in all we do, holding ourselves accountable for results by demonstrating excellence and accountability