Customer Strategy Manager; Vital Proteins

The Customer Strategy Manager is responsible for driving achievement of forecast, budget within a specific division while instituting strategic business plans that integrate, align and achieve business goals. The incumbent will lead the commercialization business planning process by influencing go‑to‑market strategies that drive profitable growth, product launches, and coordinate the efforts of commercialization planning to drive business success for Vital Proteins.

The incumbent serves as a liaison between sales, marketing and other cross‑functional partners by providing voice of customer. This person also needs to be effective in influencing marketing and brand strategies while being a source of retailer and competitive insights for internal partners. Special projects are an integral part of this role and the ideal person should be comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast paced environment.

• Leads business planning process by developing analytics & insights to support marketing strategy, preparing timelines & communication of the process, and conducting collaborative planning cycles with customer teams.
• Communicates & coordinates key strategies, insights, and initiatives between field and internal teams as well as gains alignment across all major functions.
• Develops and manages promotional programs, such as special packs & in‑store displays, to support customer sales, while monitoring performance to track and report results.
• Partners with internal team members to develop and execute revenue growth management strategies to drive topline and bottom line growth.
• Provides leadership around development, evaluation, & implementation of the 4
  
  Ps by evaluating trends, developing insights, & translates findings to drive business performance improvement.
• Influences business processes and requirements related to pricing, trade promotions, category management, & inventory management including cross‑functional collaboration with marketing, supply chain, trade, and finance on forecasting to sales input across responsible brands.
• Develops and executes all trade related expenses while evaluating other elements to improve P&L performance.
• Creates & influences assortment & merchandising recommendations.
• Coordinates & conducts regular communication sessions between internal cross functional and sales teams to ensure alignment and accountability on forecast attainment, budget, business planning, and trade objectives.
• Provides support and insight for retailer business & new item reviews.
• Develops and presents customer, category and brand reviews to drive brand and category performance.
• Ensures execution of plans through regular communication and interaction with the customer team.

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field preferred.
• At least 4 years’ experience in consumer package goods required. Experience in consumer goods and Ready to Drink Active Nutrition is highly preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.).
• P&L management and strong financial acumen.

• Ability to build relationships and senior level engagement.
• High level of organizational skills, good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Must be able to multi‑task and follow‑up when responses are needed.
• The ability to utilize creativity and push beyond the obvious, comfortable going into “unchartered” territory in setting out recommendations, goals.
• Problem solver with a solutions oriented mindset.
• Dynamic leader who can push past obstacles, overcome objections.
• Understand the value of listening to customers, gaining insights and moving objectives forward.
• Must be an articulate communicator who can quickly synthesize data.
• Deep understanding of the assigned Customer and how to develop demand creation plans.
• Must be an articulate communicator who can quickly synthesize data.
• Ability to negotiate with business partners.

This position will be either a remote or hybrid role based on the selected candidate’s geographic location. Strong preference will be given to applicants who live within a commutable distance of…