Associate Business Manager, Own Brands

Summary

Associate Business Manager

We are seeking an entry-level position in Business Management. This role will receive guidance and direct supervision from a senior Business Manager and requires strong decision‑making skills.

What we offer:

• Full-time benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life)
• 401(k) with company match
• Training and career development
• Generous paid time‑off

Responsibilities:

• Support private label products or categories through analysis and development of marketing plans; product promotions; advertising; in‑store displays; merchandising strategies; inventory forecasting; category support for small categories/suppliers.
• Assist with new product development.
• Perform trend and other sales data analysis to assist the BM/SBM.
• Maintain routine interactions with a limited number of suppliers/customers under supervision of the direct manager.
• Communicate cost increases and related information with limited negotiating.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or equivalent experience.
• 0‑2 years of experience in account or brand management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Conflict management and decision‑making skills.
• Strong prioritizing skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Job will remain open until filled.

The company is one of North America’s leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The company serves a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.

Position Summary

Associate Business Manager collaborates with Business Managers, Senior Leadership and external clients (suppliers and retailers) to execute and achieve growth objectives. Independent thinker and decision maker.

Managing Client Relationships

• Own relationships within the retailers Private Label/Own Brand team and understand the priorities of the Private Label/Own Brand team and the supplier partner.
• Understand all client strategies and priorities and leverage and communicate the knowledge.
• Work with supplier partners and retailers on executing new item launches, label updates, and reformulations of product. Ensure all parties stay on track to meet deadlines.
• Build and maintain business relationships with supplier partners and retailers.

Business Management

• Manage supplier/client sales and revenue.
• Negotiate brokerage rates.
• Contract management.

Project Management

• Facilitate and drive projects through the process (work closely with cross‑functional teams to achieve project milestones within established time frames).
• Identify potential risks and solutions.

Product Development

• Manage the private label product development process and timeline with the retailer and suppliers from ideation to shelf.
• Influencing suppliers and retailers for actions and decisions that will result in a project meeting deadline.
• Managing the expectations of both our clients and the retailer throughout the product development process when necessary.
• Obtain new sources of supply for retailer product development.

Communication

• Advise the BM on potential roadblocks in a project and help provide and execute solutions.
• Work with and support business managers on new business development.
• Think on your feet, be a problem‑solver, and be a self‑starter.
• Stakeholder on progress.
• Proactively communicate with retailer, suppliers, internal team and/or third‑party teams to ensure objectives are met.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct reports: none.
• Indirect reports: may delegate work of others and provide guidance, direction and mentoring to indirect reports.

Travel and/or Driving Requirements

Travel and driving are not essential duties or functions of this job.

Minimum Qualifications

Education level (required):
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Field of study or area of experience:
Business.

0‑2 years of…