Sr Manager Trade Relations

About the role

This position sits with our Swedish Match affiliate. The Sr Manager Trade Relations is responsible for establishing and executing a comprehensive Trade Relations strategy that supports business growth, customer retention, industry leadership, and stakeholder engagement. This role leads high-profile customer and industry engagement initiatives, develops strategic partnerships, influences cross-functional priorities, and ensures Trade Relations investments deliver measurable business outcomes. The position serves as a key liaison between Commercial, Marketing, Communications, Compliance, Procurement, Finance, and external partners to drive alignment and maximize the value of customer engagement programs and industry partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the PMI U.S. Trade Relations strategy, ensuring alignment with commercial growth objectives and long-term business priorities.
• Establish multi-year customer and industry engagement plans that strengthen relationships with retailers, distributors, trade associations, and key external stakeholders.
• Monitor emerging industry trends, customer needs, and competitive developments to identify opportunities that enhance PMI U.S.'s market position and commercial performance.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to Commercial Leadership regarding industry engagement opportunities, customer relationship strategies, and partnership investments.
• Serve as PMI U.S.'s primary relationship lead with major trade associations, industry organizations, and strategic external partners including NACS, CDA, CSN, CSP, and other relevant industry groups.
• Develop engagement strategies that enhance PMI U.S.'s visibility, influence, and reputation within key industry channels.
• Represent PMI U.S. in external industry forums, conferences, and leadership events to strengthen strategic partnerships and business relationships.
• Lead the development and execution of executive engagement programs designed to strengthen relationships with senior retailer, distributor, and industry leadership.
• Own strategic customer engagement initiatives including Formula One partnerships, Ferrari Challenge activations, MotoGP initiatives, executive leadership forums, customer advisory events, and other high-impact commercial engagement programs.
• Partner directly with executive leadership to develop customer experiences that support relationship growth, customer retention, and commercial objectives.
• Establish consistent engagement standards and governance processes that ensure alignment with organizational priorities and compliance requirements.
• Establish performance metrics, operating objectives, and success measures for Trade Relations initiatives.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of customer engagement investments through business impact analysis, customer feedback, stakeholder engagement outcomes, and commercial performance indicators.
• Utilize industry insights and customer intelligence to identify opportunities that support customer growth, category leadership, and long-term business success.
• Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership regarding Trade Relations priorities, opportunities, risks, and program effectiveness.
• Lead complex cross-functional initiatives involving Commercial, Marketing, Communications, Compliance, Procurement, Finance, and external stakeholders.
• Drive organizational alignment for customer engagement initiatives and strategic partnership programs.
• Develop and implement operating frameworks, governance models, and best practices that improve efficiency and effectiveness across Trade Relations activities.
• Influence decision-making across functions to ensure successful execution of strategic priorities.
• Develop and manage the annual Trade Relations operating plan and budget.
• Establish governance processes that ensure resources are allocated to initiatives delivering the highest strategic and commercial value.
• Monitor program investments and return on investment to ensure responsible stewardship of company resources.
• Lead, develop, and coach Trade Relations team members while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and customer focus.
• Provide leadership and guidance to project teams and cross-functional stakeholders supporting Trade Relations initiatives.
• Support succession planning, capability development, and continuous improvement efforts across the function.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years experience in Trade Relations, Sales, Commercial Operations, Customer Engagement, Business Development, Marketing, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic customer engagement initiatives and high-profile business partnerships.
• Proven ability to build and influence relationships with senior executives, external stakeholders, and cross-functional leadership teams.
• Strong business acumen with experience developing strategies that drive measurable commercial outcomes.
• Experience managing complex budgets, investment decisions, and large-scale engagement programs.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
• Fully authorized to work in the US without sponsorship now and in the future.

Pay

Annual Base Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and annual bonus (applicable based on level of position).
• Great medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401k with a generous company match.
• Incredible wellness benefits.
• Commuter benefits.
• Pet insurance.
• Generous PTO.

Schedule

We have implemented Smart Work, a hybrid model of working that promotes flexibility in the workplace.