Manager, Customer Development

Duties and Responsibilities

• Working in close partnership with the Director of Sales, and other internal stakeholders, works to develop branded and private label business in the designated Sales territory.
• Key customers include Albertson’s, Kroger, Raley’s, US Bakery, UTZ Snacks, Grocery Outlet, Erewhon, Nugget, & Natural Grocers.
• Build and manage relationships with key natural/specialty retail customers, ensuring alignment with customer strategies, category growth initiatives, and emerging consumer trends.
• Lead and optimize the existing DSD tortilla distribution network, including distributor performance management, route-to-market effectiveness, and identification of expansion opportunities in existing and new markets.
• Identify, onboard, and develop DSD tortilla distribution partners, setting clear expectations, performance objectives, and accountability measures to drive mutual growth and execution excellence.
• Partner with fellow Sales Managers and cross-functional teams to identify, secure, and win new business opportunities, including new accounts, new categories, and expanded distribution.
• Manage brokers and third-party partners as needed, including brand education, objective setting, trade planning, and performance tracking.
• Collaborates with customer team on challenges, opportunities, innovation, and pricing to ensure compliance with key customer strategic plans.
• Engages in managing and developing brokers which includes brand education, objective setting, trade promotion planning, tracking, measuring and evaluating.
• Effectively manages all sales spending (e.g., Trade, T&E, SG&A, etc.). Adhere to trade spending guidelines while maximizing promotional effectiveness.
• Builds expertise in selling CHG’s extensive line of food offerings across all dayparts.
• Communicates to the organization on a timely basis regarding any changes in business and market trends which impact our business and provide action plans/alternatives to address these changes as required.
• Gains deep understanding around CHG’s product lines and works to maximize margin/profit.
• Promotes and exemplifies the C.H. Guenther’s Core Values.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or another related field.
• Minimum of 5-10 years progressive sales experience in the food/CPG industry, with strong exposure to natural/specialty retail and/or DSD distribution models.
• Experience in Food Manufacturing, and a basic understanding of plant operations, a benefit.
• Ability to travel throughout the country in support of ongoing customer business development or internal CHG meetings.
• Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:
• Proficient use of computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), and other related applications or software.
• Proven self-starter and go-getter mentality, with the ability to operate autonomously and drive results.
• Trade promotion and broker management experience.
• Ability to execute highly effective strategies and plans which deliver budgeted business growth.
• Experience and understanding of both branded and private label product environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Very strong financial acumen, adept at interpreting and understanding various P&L metrics.
• Team player who possesses the ability to develop interdepartmental and customer relationships.
• Able to work effectively with diverse groups of associates and customers ranging from entry level to executive level positions.
• Able to work with multiple departments, including but not limited to, Finance, Operations, Purchasing, R&D, Supply Chain, Legal, Quality Assurance, and Information Services, both internally and externally.
• Able to prioritize projects and clearly communicate direction internally and externally.
• Able to update and influence internal stakeholders, including company executives.

About At C.H. Guenther

• By providing the salary range for this role, we aim to promote fairness and help candidates make informed choices about their career.
• The salary range for this role is: $95,938.00 - $178,010.00 Actual compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as geographic location.
• We offer a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, retirement savings options, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, educational assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.
• For Additional Information About Our Company, Go To Www.chg.com.
• C.H. Guenther & Son and its subsidiaries are E-Verify participating employers. Click here for more information regarding E-verify.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the pre-employment screening process which includes a drug screen and review of criminal background and other records as required.
• AA/EEO/Drug-Free Employer.