Experienced Customer Development Manager - B2C Sales Leadership Opportunity with blithequark

Join the blithequark Team: Innovating for a Healthier Future

blithequark is a pioneering company that converges nutrition, science, and wellness to empower healthier lives. With a diverse portfolio of renowned brands and a commitment to innovation, we're dedicated to making a positive impact on patients and consumers worldwide. Our team is driven by a passion for collaboration, entrepreneurial spirit, and a focus on professional growth. We're now seeking an exceptional Customer Development Manager to lead our B2C sales efforts with Target, driving growth and success for our Vital Proteins, Orgain, and other blithequark brands.

About the Role

As a Customer Development Manager with blithequark, you will play a pivotal role in managing and executing sales-related activities for Target, supporting our key brands. This is a remote opportunity with a preference for candidates based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota area, with direct selling experience with Target. You will be responsible for developing strategic relationships, driving sales growth, and implementing effective sales strategies to achieve business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Target teams to drive divisional wins, including displays, distribution gains, and ACV enhancement.
• Establish effective working relationships with internal teams, including Customer Strategy, Finance, and Customer Service.
• Gain a deep understanding of Target's go-to-market model, including Category Management strategy, and develop sales plans to align with customer objectives.
• Deliver target budget plans, new product distribution goals, and execute brand and category growth strategies.
• Identify new opportunities for growth, develop strategic sales plans, and liaise with RVP to manage execution and measure results.
• Foster and grow existing and new relationships within the account, understanding current and potential future needs of customers.
• Educate business partners on products, retail goals, and measurement of success, and deliver customer presentations that demonstrate innovation and shelf positioning.
• Manage daily business with customers, including UPC product/item setup, maintenance, logistics, and inventory management.
• Sell-in new products and promotions to qualified retailers, ensuring full-line distribution of products.
• Work with customers to implement Retail initiatives and monitor Retail standards.
• Manage contracts, focusing on strategic alignment and strengthening both customer and blithequark market position.
• Utilize Trade Investment Management (TIM) and Osprey systems for trade fund management, direct sales forecasting, and projection activities.
• Provide monthly reporting, sales analytics, and insights to understand go-to-market strategy and maximize sales efficiency.
• Manage P&L within respective account coverage and perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience in a Sales role, with at least 2 years of experience managing large B2C customers (Target experience strongly preferred).
• Sales experience in the Grocery, Drug, and/or Mass retail channels.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint).
• Prior experience using syndicated data to determine customer needs and establish effective pricing and promotional activities.
• Account management and experience developing and delivering sales plans in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of project management and experience setting up and managing projects in a complex environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize tasks, and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to analyze, develop, and manage revenue and expense budgets.
• Ability to achieve revenue and profitability objectives on a sustainable basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• P&L management and strong financial acumen.
• Experience with Trade Investment Management (TIM) and Osprey systems.

What We Offer

Compensation and Benefits:

The approximate pay range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000. We offer performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, including:

• 401k with a company match
• Healthcare coverage
• A broad range of other benefits

Career Growth and Development:

At blithequark, we're committed to fostering professional growth and celebrating the achievements of our people. We offer:

• Dynamic career paths
• Robust development opportunities
• Opportunities to learn from talented colleagues around the globe

Work Environment and Culture:

We strive to create an inclusive and supportive work environment that values diversity and promotes well-being. Our culture is built on:

• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and creativity
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Commitment to making a positive impact

How to Apply

If you're a motivated and results-driven sales professional looking to join a dynamic team, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your resume and a cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We look forward to hearing from you!