Experienced Senior Customer Sales Lead for Strategic Partnership Development and Category Growth at blithequark

Introduction to blithequark

At blithequark, we have a rich history that spans over a century, connecting people through the food they love. Our legacy is built on the principles of innovation, remarkable people, and ideas that have shaped the food industry. As a steward of iconic brands such as blithequark's own portfolio, which includes a variety of beloved brands, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of belonging, diversity, and inclusivity. Our values are at the core of everything we do, guiding us to set the highest standards for performance while making a positive impact on the communities we serve.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Customer Sales Lead to join our dynamic team, specifically focusing on our partnership with Albertsons. As a Senior Customer Sales Lead, you will be responsible for developing and implementing joint business plans that drive volume, profit, and share growth within the soup category. This role requires a strategic thinker who can proactively manage and monitor our meals portfolio, create and evaluate business plans, and work closely with key decision-makers at Albertsons to implement brand strategies and tactics.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize blithequark's Sales Planning & Customer Investment system to create optimal customer plans that drive our soup portfolio across both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels.


• Manage and lead cross-portfolio platforms to drive volume, profit, and share growth, including platforms such as Meal Solutions, Holiday, Back To School, New Year New You, and Summer, as well as developing new platforms that align cross-brands to create new eating trends.


• Develop and implement trade promotion strategies and tactical plans with Albertsons, focusing on higher ROI activities to drive our portfolios' scale and proactively monitor and update the overall business plan, including managing trade budgets, spending, and volume to achieve all sales objectives.


• Leverage Shopper Insights and Category Management resources to proactively link consumer and shopper trends and opportunities, and utilize Customer Marketing resources to develop and implement collaborative marketing programs in alignment with brand and customer strategies.


• Conduct post-event analysis to evaluate promotional volume, consumption, profit, and spending results versus plan, and leverage findings to maximize future promotional opportunities, as well as conduct category business reviews to discuss the state of the business, consumer trends, key business drivers, and incremental opportunities.


• Understand blithequark's brand strategies and tactics and implement them by working closely with Albertsons' key decision-makers, including buyers, category managers, and merchandising leaders.


• Develop accurate monthly forecasts to maximize supply chain efficiencies by tracking shipments, consumption data, and inventory changes, and proactively identify potential risks or threats to monthly forecasts.


• Sell new items to Albertsons and work with key customer personnel to achieve optimal distribution, identifying profitable opportunities to grow incremental volume.


• Provide direction to Regional Sales Leads on how to implement customer-specific plans at the division and store level.

Job Complexity

This role requires the ability to assess Albertsons' competitive position, both nationally and divisionally, and understand how their behaviors and strategies align with blithequark's strategic goals. The successful candidate will be able to determine a customer investment strategy that best supports Albertsons' revenue, profit, and share growth. Additionally, this role involves developing productive working relationships with key decision-makers at various levels within Albertsons' organizational structure and requires strong cross-functional interaction within the customer team and with World Headquarters personnel.

Requirements for the Role

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A Bachelor's Degree


• 12+ years of CPG Industry Sales and/or Category Management experience


• Problem-solving skills, technical skills, category and brand knowledge, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, written and verbal communication skills, and supply chain knowledge


• P&L management experience


• The ability to travel up to 40%

What We Offer

At blithequark, we offer a competitive total rewards package, including:

• A target base salary range for this full-time, salaried position (individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training)


• Competitive health, dental, 401k, and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment


• Opportunities for career growth and development in a dynamic and collaborative environment


• A culture that values diversity, inclusivity, and belonging

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At blithequark, we are committed to helping our employees grow and develop in their careers. As a Senior Customer Sales Lead, you will have access to a range of training and development opportunities, including:

• Formal training programs to enhance your sales and category management skills


• Coaching and mentoring from experienced leaders in the industry


• Opportunities to work on cross-functional projects and collaborate with other teams


• A culture that encourages innovation, creativity, and calculated risk-taking

Work Environment and Company Culture

At blithequark, we pride ourselves on our positive and inclusive work environment. Our company culture is built on the values of:

• Belonging: We foster a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported


• Diversity: We celebrate our differences and recognize the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences


• Inclusivity: We strive to create an environment where everyone feels included and empowered to contribute


• Integrity: We operate with integrity, transparency, and honesty in all our interactions

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and results-driven sales professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to join our team as a Senior Customer Sales Lead at blithequark. With your experience and skills, you will play a key role in driving business growth and success with our strategic partner, Albertsons. Apply now to take the first step in your new career with blithequark!

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