Cathy Bates Email & Phone Number

Own both the sourcing and product management responsibilities for frozen, seafood and produce categories. Serve as the Supplier Diversity liaison for brands team. Member of one of the grant review committees for UNFI Foundation. Member of WISE (Women Impacting Storebrand Excellence).

Eden Prairie, Mn

Private Brands Manager (2014-October 2018)Led all phases of strategic private brands merchandising planning for food products sold through retail and wholesale channels. Managed portfolio of frozen, meat, seafood, and produce categories. Directed marketing activities for assigned categories.Led business team in commercializing new products under several brands including Wild Harvest, Essential Everyday, Culinary Circle, Arctic Shores, Stockman & Dakota, and Shoppers Value. Identified and drove category strategies and initiatives.Managed relationship with approximately 40+ vendor and broker partners. Conducted bids, negotiated contracts, awarded business, reviewed and approved price changes from suppliers. Oversaw packaging and finished goods liabilities.Product Manager (2010-2014)Led cross-functional teams to launch new products, improve existing products and market the brand to consumers. Worked collaboratively with merchandising and key vendor partners to deliver new products, product updates, brand conversions, and packaging improvements. Supported wholesale customer development activities.Experienced working in the following categories: snacks, produce, frozen, dairy, baby, baking, seafood, beverages, and alcoholic beverages.SUPERVALU Associate Giving Campaign Committee Member in 2011 and 2012.Brand Manager (2007-2010)Developed and implemented brand building business and marketing plans for assigned brands and product categories. Directed product launches for various categories. Planned and oversaw execution of various retail activities.

Ramsey, Mn

Responsible for positioning, marketing and life cycle management of film lens product line. Led cross-functional teams through new product development process to launch new products and line extensions. Drove all brand strategies from planning through implementation for assigned brands. Planned and oversaw execution of promotional activities.

Edina, Mn

Developed and implemented marketing plans for graduation products category. Led cross-functional teams to develop new products targeted to high school seniors. Partnered with marketing research to identify key consumer insights and implement product design sort studies. Partnered with sales organization in the execution of product and program launches and various channel development activities.

Shoreview, Mn

Product Manager (1996-2000)Developed and managed various product lines for consumer, business services and financial services segments. Led cross-functional teams to develop new products and manage existing products through the product life cycle. Selected as inaugural member of Deluxe Volunteer Council. Organized and worked many fun volunteer events.Marketing Manager (1993-1996)Created and implemented direct marketing campaigns for assigned vertical markets within business services segment. Responsible for conducting customer segmentation, writing promotion plans, and analyzing key metrics. Developed various catalogs, brochures and other print collateral.

M.B.A., Marketing

B.S., Business Administration

Activities and Societies: Academic All-America, Dean's List, Delta Sigma Pi, and Varsity Basketball