Are you a seasoned sales professional with a passion for building strong relationships and driving business growth? Do you have a proven track record of success in managing large B2C customers, particularly in the grocery, drug, and mass retail channels? If so, we invite you to join blithequark's dynamic team as a Customer Development Manager, where you will play a critical role in driving sales growth and expanding our presence in the Target market.
**About blithequark**
At blithequark, we believe that nutrition, science, and wellness must merge, not collide. Our broad product portfolio includes renowned brands like Garden of Life, Nature's Bounty, Vital Proteins, Orgain, Nuun, BOOST, Carnation Breakfast Essentials, Peptamen, Compleat Organic Blends, and more. We also have extensive pharmaceutical expertise, offering innovative medicines that aim to prevent, manage, and treat gastrointestinal and metabolic-related diseases. Our people are challenged to bring fresh, diverse views and make bold moves to empower healthier lives through nutrition. We know brilliant ideas can come from anyone, anywhere, and we collaborate with teams that champion focused and forward thinking.
**Job Summary**
As a Customer Development Manager, you will be responsible for the functional management, leadership, and execution of all Sales-related activities for Target, supporting Vital Proteins, Orgain, and other blithequark brands. This role will involve working closely with internal teams, including Customer Strategy, Finance, and Customer Service, to develop and execute strategic plans that drive sales growth and expand our presence in the Target market. You will also be responsible for managing daily business in partnership with customers, including UPC product/item setup, maintenance, logistics, and inventory management.
**Responsibilities**
* Develop strategic and winning relationships throughout Target, with a particular focus on divisional wins (i.e., displays, distribution gains, ACV enhancement, etc.)
* Establish strong working relationships with all internal teams, including Customer Strategy, Finance, and Customer Service
* Develop and execute strategic written sales plans in accordance with corporate goals, identifying new opportunities for growth and delivering target budget plans and new product distribution goals
* Maintain a clear understanding of customer objectives and liaise with RVP to develop operational plans to manage execution and measure results
* Foster and grow existing and new relationships within account, gaining a deep understanding of current and potential future needs of our customers
* Educate our business partners on our products, retail goals, and measurement of success
* Deliver customer presentations that demonstrate innovation, shelf positioning, promotions, communicate pricing, etc.
* Manage daily business in partnership with customers, including UPC product/item setup, maintenance, logistics, and inventory management
* Sell-in new products and all promotions to qualified retailers; ensure full-line distribution of products (new & existing items)
* Work with customers to implement Retail initiatives and monitor Retail standards
* Ongoing contract management that focuses on strategic alignment and designed to strengthen both the customer and blithequark market position
* Responsible for working with agencies to input Trade Investment Management (TIM and Osprey) system input, trade fund management, direct sales forecasting, and projection activities for the company
* Strong Trade management/budget processing and an efficiency that focus on a strong ROI
* Monthly reporting, sales analytics, and insights; understand go-to-market strategy and how to maximize sales efficiency
* P&L management within respective account coverage
* Perform additional duties and tasks as assigned by direct Manager
**Requirements**
* Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Psychology, or in a related field required; Master's degree or MBA preferred
* 5+ years of relevant work experience in a Sales role required, with at least 2+ years Managing Large B2C Customers required as well (Target experience strongly preferred)
* Sales experience in the Grocery, Drug, and/or Mass retail channel(s) is required
* Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint) required
* Prior experience using syndicated data to determine customer needs and establish the most effective pricing and promotional activities that will increase sales and market share for the company and its customers
* Account management and experience developing and delivering sales plans in a fast-paced environment required
* Knowledge regarding project management, and experience with setting up and managing projects in a complex, fast-moving environment
* Knowledge regarding relationship management, experience, and mindset to work with partners in building initiatives that deliver on goals
* Must have excellent communication (oral and written), presentation, organizational, and stakeholder management skills (including the ability to build and maintain strong, cross-functional stakeholder relationships)
* Must be able to multi-task and prioritize tasks based on the needs of the team and the business
* Willing and able to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision
* Ability to analyze, develop, and manage revenue and expense budgets
* Ability to achieve revenue and profitability objectives on a sustainable basis
* Ability to manage multiple priorities and multiple brands and categories
* Must be a dynamic leader who can push past obstacles and overcome objections
* The ability to utilize creativity and push beyond the obvious, comfortable going into "uncharted" territory in setting out recommendations and goals
* P&L management and strong financial acumen highly preferred
* Willing and able to travel up to 20% based on the needs of the team and the business
**What We Offer**
* Competitive total rewards package, including a 401k with a company match, healthcare coverage, and a broad range of other benefits
* Performance-based incentives
* Dynamic career paths with opportunities for growth and development
* Collaborative and inclusive work environment
* Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance
**How to Apply**
If you are a motivated and results-driven sales professional with a passion for building strong relationships and driving business growth, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and qualifications for this role. We look forward to hearing from you!
**Equal Employment Opportunity**
blithequark is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@blithequark.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467
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