Customer Development Manager - Natural & Independent

From a small store in Turin to a large, internationally recognized group: we are present in 90 countries around the world, with over 5,000 employees and 30 companies, managed directly and indirectly by the Luigi Lavazza Spa parent company. In addition to Lavazza, the following brands are also part of our Group: Carte Noire, Merrild, Kicking Horse, Eraclea and Whittington tea. Joining Lavazza means doing business with passion, knowing that the impact of our work goes beyond the quality of the production chain. We are a big family and are constantly looking for new talents who share our values and can enrich our team.

About the role

At Lavazza, the Customer Development Manager – Natural & Independent is responsible for driving growth across the natural retail channel. This role partners closely with customers, distributors, brokers, Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Growth Management teams to expand distribution, increase consumption, and build the Lavazza brand within the Natural channel. We are seeking a commercially driven individual with experience in food, beverage, natural products, health & wellness, or specialty consumer goods. Candidates may come from emerging brands, challenger brands, distributor organizations, or established CPG companies. The ideal candidate enjoys working in entrepreneurial environments, developing customer relationships, and translating insights into action.

Location: New York City, NY
Work model: Hybrid, in-office 3 days / week

Responsibilities

• Develop and grow business with Natural, Specialty, Independent, and National/Regional retail customers.
• Support distributor partnerships including UNFI, KeHE, and regional distribution networks.
• Identify opportunities to expand distribution, assortment, and merchandising presence within assigned accounts.
• Monitor marketplace trends across Natural, Organic, Better-for-You, and Specialty Food & Beverage categories.
• Partner with brokers and sales teams to execute customer plans and secure new business opportunities.
• Analyze customer performance data and develop actionable recommendations to improve sales and profitability.
• Support customer presentations, line reviews, category reviews, and new item placement initiatives.
• Participate in industry trade events, customer meetings, and channel-specific networking opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to execute promotional programs, product launches, and customer-specific activations.
• Gather competitive intelligence and channel insights to support business planning and growth strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in Customer Development, Sales, Category Management, Business Development, Trade Marketing, or Account Management.
• Experience within natural products, indie or emerging brands, or health & wellness consumer packaged goods preferred.
• Experience supporting natural national and regional retailers, independent accounts, or distributor partners.
• Experience working with emerging, entrepreneurial, challenger, or founder-led brands strongly encouraged.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.
• Experience using syndicated data or retailer reporting tools is preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence customers and cross-functional stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive Medical, Vision, Dental Benefits
• 401K Package
• Employee Assistance Program
• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Ability to be barista certified
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Performance Development Plans
• Employee Discounts
• Summer Fridays (Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend)
• Flexible business casual dress code - jean friendly!
• Free coffee, anytime!