Customer Development Manager (Independent Natural Channel) Job Details | Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Develop strategic and winning relationships throughout key independent natural channel retail groups.
• Focus on divisional wins such as displays, distribution gains, and ACV enhancement.
• Establish strong working relationships with internal teams including Customer Strategy, Finance, and Customer Service.
• Understand the Customers go-to-market model including Category Management strategy.
• Deliver target Budget plan and new product distribution goals.
• Execute brand and category growth strategies aligned with the customer.
• Identify new opportunities for growth; develop and implement strategic written sales plans in accordance with corporate goals.
• Maintain understanding of customer objectives and liaise with RVP to develop operational plans to manage execution and measure results.
• Foster and grow existing and new relationships within accounts, gaining deep understanding of current and potential future needs.
• Educate business partners on products, retail goals, and measurement of success.
• Deliver customer presentations demonstrating innovation, shelf positioning, promotions, and pricing.
• Manage daily business activities including UPC product/item setup, maintenance, logistics, and inventory management.
• Sell-in new products and promotions to qualified retailers; ensure full-line distribution of products.
• Work with customers to implement retail initiatives and monitor retail standards.
• Manage ongoing contracts focusing on strategic alignment to strengthen market position.
• Work with agencies to input Trade Investment Management data, manage trade funds, and forecast sales activities.
• Conduct monthly reporting, sales analytics, and insights to maximize sales efficiency.
• Manage P&L within respective account coverage.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25% of the time.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• At least 2 years of experience with Independent Natural Retail Groups preferred.
• Sales experience in the Natural retail channel is required.
• Experience in consumer goods and vitamins and supplements is required.
• Experience with the science behind products and ability to communicate benefits effectively.
• Prior experience using syndicated data to determine customer needs and establish effective pricing and promotional activities.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Nice to Have

• Knowledge regarding Project Management and managing projects in a complex, fast-moving environment.
• Relationship management experience and mindset to build initiatives that deliver on goals.
• Strong cross-functional relationship skills with assigned accounts.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and brands/categories.
• High organizational skills and good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Deep understanding of the assigned Customer and demand creation planning.
• Creativity and willingness to explore unchartered territory in setting recommendations and goals.
• Problem-solving skills with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Leadership qualities to push past obstacles and overcome objections.
• Ability to listen to customers, gain insights, and advance objectives.
• Strong data synthesis and articulation skills.
• Financial acumen and P&L management experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in business or related field preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED required.

Benefits & Perks

• Performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package.
• Includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage, and other benefits.
• Benefits may vary depending on the position.