Job Description

Item Coding Manager

Let’s be unstoppable together!

Circana (formerly IRI and NPD) is the leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior. Through unparalleled technology, advanced analytics, cross-industry data, and deep expertise, we provide clarity that helps almost 7,000 of the world’s leading brands and retailers take action and unlock business growth. We understand more about the complete consumer, the complete store, and the complete wallet so our clients can go beyond the data to apply insights, ignite innovation, meet consumer demand, and outpace the competition.

At Circana, we are fueled by our passion for continuous learning and growth, we seek and share feedback freely, and we celebrate victories both big and small in an environment that is flexible and accommodating to our work and personal lives. We have a global commitment to diversity,equity,and inclusion as we believe in the undeniable strength that diversity brings to our business, employees, clients, and communities (with us you can always bring your full self to work). Join our inclusive, committed team to be a challenger, own outcomes, and stay curious together. Learn more at www.circana.com.

As the Item Coding Manager, you will lead Circana’s Item Coding production and project teams, ensuring unmatched quality, operational excellence, and cost efficiency. You will be responsible for the flawless delivery of all item coding services, ensuring they meet contractual requirements, client expectations, and internal business objectives.

This role demands meticulous planning, proactive communication, robust project management skills, and a deep understanding of data models and dimension architecture. You will shape processes, mentor high‑performing teams, and drive strategic improvements that elevate Circana’s Item Coding capability.

What will you be doing?

You will lead the end‑to‑end Item Coding function, ensuring that all operational, analytical, and project‑based deliverables meet the highest standards of quality and timeliness. Your responsibilities include managing a dynamic team, improving processes, directing client integrations / expansions, and partnering with cross‑functional leaders to uphold data integrity and operational excellence.

Job Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Delivery

• Take full accountability for all Item Coding process areas, driving the team to achieve company, department, team, and personal objectives.

• Ensure the quality and integrity of the Circana item dictionary, including all BAU and Build processes and deliverables.
• Oversee capacity and workload planning to ensure all deliverables meet SLA or project plan timelines and quality standards.
• Set stretching operational targets aligned to EBITDAC goals and conduct monthly performance reviews.

Quality, Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Design, implement, and monitor metrics to track quality, output, and performance against plan.
• Identify and implement process improvements across all item coding processes, driving efficiency, quality advancement, and cost optimization.
• Apply lean management principles including automation, process improvement methodologies, and root cause analysis.

Project Management & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Manage and participate in projects focused on designing and implementing new products, services, and processes.
• Scope client product dimension architecture requirements and ensure best‑practice integration into the Circana item dictionary.
• Direct or manage cross‑functional initiatives to agreed timelines, cost targets, quality levels, and requirements (e.g., client set‑ups, data restatements, contracted deliverables).
• Serve as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for other business functions, supporting client proposals, meetings, and solution discussions.

People Leadership

• Recruit, train, develop, and mentor team members, ensuring each employee has a robust development plan reviewed regularly.
• Build and foster a high‑performance culture rooted in accountability, quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide sound leadership, guidance, and coaching to ensure team members thrive in a fast‑moving operational environment.

Strategic Support

• Support the Operations Director with managing the department, advancing strategic initiatives, optimizing costs, and overseeing workforce planning and recruitment.

Requirements

• Graduate‑level education with 5+ years of management experience in Operations or Client Service.
• Strong understanding of data models, dimension architecture, and item coding environments.
• Demonstrated experience with project management and process improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage complex and conflicting client requirements.
• A self‑motivated, accountable, and committed leader capable of building a high‑performance culture.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and virtual communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal ability to influence, collaborate, and lead cross‑functional teams.
• Experience with Lean management, continuous improvement, automation, and root cause analysis.
• Background in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry (manufacturer or retailer perspective) preferred.

Circana Behaviors

As well as the technical skills, experience and attributes that are required for the role, our shared behaviors sit at the core of our organization. Therefore, we always look for people who can continuously champion these behaviors throughout the business within their day-to-day role:

• Stay Curious: Being hungry to learn and grow, always asking the big questions
• Seek Clarity: Embracing complexity to create clarity and inspire action
• Own the Outcome: Being accountable for decisions and taking ownership of our choices
• Center on the Client: Relentlessly adding value for our customers
• Be a Challenger: Never complacent, always striving for continuous improvement
• Champion Inclusivity: Fostering trust in relationships engaging with empathy, respect and integrity
• Commit to each other: Contributing to making Circana a great place to work for everyone

Location

This position can be located in the following area(s): Cape Town, South Africa

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