Senior Retail Business Strategy Manager

You will translate JM Smucker headquarter sales team priorities into cle ar retail strategies and executable plans for Acosta’s dedicated retail field organization. This position serves as the day-to-day partner to assigned sales and customer teams , connecting client objectives, retail operations, field execution, and performance insights. Success is measured by stronger execution, trusted client relationships, measurable business impact, and disciplined follow-through.

• Build trusted partnerships with assigned JM Smucker sales and customer teams; establish a consistent planning cadence and maintain visibility to priorities, risks, opportunities, and next steps.

• Translate customer objectives into clear field strategies , task instructions, timing, reporting requirements, and measurable success criteria.

• Own assigned initiatives from intake and scope through work setup, launch, execution monitoring, issue resolution, and post-event evaluation.

• Lead client working sessions, planning meetings, and business reviews; communicate progress, results, risks, and recommendations with confidence.

• Use Power BI, Excel, client data, retail reporting, and field insights to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities across distribution, on-shelf availability, merchandising, and promotions.

• Develop concise business stories that demonstrate value creation, sales protection, execution improvement, and return on retail investment.

• Influence cross-functional partners across Sales, Retail Operations, Analytics, and field leadership to ensure plans are executable, prioritized, and delivered.

• Manage multiple meetings, work streams, deadlines, and complex projects while maintaining accuracy, organization, and follow-through.

• Lead process improvements and apply emerging tools, including AI and automation, to improve planning, communication, insights, and client outcomes.

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• Progressive experience in CPG , retail strategy, client service, sales strategy, retail operations, category management , or a related field.

• Demonstrated success leading complex projects and influencing cross-functional teams from planning through implementation and measurement.

• Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, written communication, and presentation skills.

• Advanced proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and business reporting tools;
  Power BI and AI or automation experience preferred.

• Knowledge of retail execution , including distribution, shelving, merchandising, promotions, and on-shelf availability, preferred.

• Ability to travel and maintain reliable transportation as required.

• Client priorities are converted into clear, executable retail plans.

• Field teams understand the objective, action required, timing, and measure of success.

• Risks and barriers are identified early, escalated appropriately, and resolved.

• Retail results are translated into actionable recommendations and credible evidence of business value.

• Sit for extended periods (typically 6+ hours per day).

• Use a computer, including keyboard and mouse, for prolonged periods.

• Lift and carry light items (e.g., files, office supplies, laptops, typically 20+ pounds).

• Reach, bend, or stoop occasionally to access files or office materials.

• Maintain focus and attention for long periods of desk-based work.

• Follow clear directions.

• Perform repetitive motions (e.g., typing, clicking) consistently throughout the day.

Acosta is a part of Acosta Group – a collective of the industry’s most trusted retail, marketing and food service agencies reimagining the way people connect with brands at every point in their…