Category Specialists @ CR start the ball rolling for our rigorous product testing and ratings process, by selecting the models that we evaluate in our labs.

In this role, you will build a thorough understanding of the marketplace for your product categories. The category knowledge will culminate in the creation of criteria for model selection including an approach to identifying upcoming new product introductions and following the life-cycle of models previously selected. Paramount to the process is the goal of capturing the models that consumers will encounter while researching/shopping and want to know about. You will also tailor the selection criteria to extend our reach to new audiences that have been identified. As a member of the Test department, you will work closely with the Testing leaders, as well as other stakeholders in the organization.

Under our CRFlex program, this is a hybrid position and is eligible for remote work up to 80%. The successful candidate must reside within 75 miles of one of our main office location in Yonkers, NY.

THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR SPONSORSHIP

How You'll Make An Impact

Your product marketing experience plus your critical thinking and ability to understand and combine information from uniquely different data sources will allow you to understand the dynamics and drivers for consumer purchases in your category. You will create the ideal model selection criteria for your product categories rooted in both hard and soft data we may have access to. Your work will include identifying data sources and industry contacts to ensure that the models you identify for testing are “front of mind” for consumers. You will work with the testing and editorial teams to ensure they are aware of industry trends and consumer purchasing patterns.
 

• You will select models for testing in various product categories, utilizing data from a variety of information resources (internal and external).
• You will identify product models that have “buzz” or will otherwise be of particular interest to consumers.
• You will gain understanding of the market landscape and new product introductions in new and established product categories.
• You will utilize available analytic tools to determine search trends such as seasonality, key segments and features, key brands, popular models and other search terms pertinent to a particular category.
• You will map out a schedule of model introductions to facilitate resource planning for assigned product categories.
• You will engage with product manufacturers and monitor industry announcements to understand future product plans.
• You will monitor the retail landscape with respect to shifts in market share, promotional behavior, price points, and product assortment.
• You will populate and maintain the model database including model pricing and availability data for tested products; establish a regular schedule for pricing and availability maintenance.
• You will review articles prior to publishing for accuracy.
• You will work with stakeholders to assess opportunities in new product categories.
   

About You

You’ll Be Highly Rated If:
 

• You have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in marketing in addition to 1 year of industry experience
• You are comfortable with numbers and data sets (hard data) as well as soft data such as estimated brand share percentages and can effectively integrate this information.
• You are proficient in Excel/Google Sheets and in using various search analysis tools such as Google Trends, SEMRush, etc.
• You have a proven ability to take on an area where you might not have previous knowledge, but get up to speed quickly.
   

You’ll Be One of Our Top Picks If:
 

• You have experience with consumer products such as foods, kitchen appliances, home products, health products, or electronics.
   

Who We Are

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to a fair and just marketplace for consumers. Our team is made up of truth tellers, change agents, and consumer advocates who investigate and build coalitions to fight for fairness and justice in the marketplace. We leverage our evidence-based approach to demand safer products, a healthier environment, and equitable services for everyone.

Our mission starts with you. We offer medical benefits that start on your first day as a CR employee that include behavioral health coverage and unlimited sick days. There’s also generous family planning benefits and a generous 401K match. Learn more about how CR advocates for strong benefits on behalf of their employees here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/careers/landing-page/index.htm

FAIR PAY & A JUST WORKPLACE

At Consumer Reports, we are committed to fair, transparent pay and we strive to provide competitive, market-informed compensation. The target salary range for this position is $79k to $80k. It is anticipated that most qualified candidates will fall near the middle of this range. Compensation for the successful candidate will be informed by the candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience.

Consumer Reports proudly seeks to build a richly diverse workforce by hiring people with a diversity of thoughts, identities, perspectives, and experiences that help advance the difference we make for consumers, and by ensuring our people experience equity and inclusion in their work lives. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, LGBTQIA people, people of color, and people with disabilities.

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