Experienced Customer Manager for Strategic Retail Partnerships – Leading Sales Growth and Customer Relationships at blithequark

Introduction to blithequark

Imagine being part of a dynamic and innovative company that is redefining the juice category with some of the world's most beloved brands. blithequark, established as a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo, brings together the best of industry-leading expertise and a true entrepreneurial mindset. With a global footprint spanning North America and Europe, and over 2,000 associates, blithequark is committed to quenching the world's thirst for more delight and nourishment while building on its diversity, sustainability, and philanthropic efforts.

About the Role

blithequark is seeking a highly qualified Customer Manager to support the Commercial team in achieving the company's goals and initiatives. This role is responsible for leading and developing annual sales plans for blithequark's business at Sam's Club, launching and accelerating growth across the Chilled and Ambient categories. We are looking for an accomplished, results-focused, creative, and energetic manager with sales experience in fast-paced environments and a proven track record of consistent revenue and profit generation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead annual sales plans for blithequark's business at Sam's Club, focusing on growth across the Chilled and Ambient categories.
• Report into the Walmart INC VP and work directly with Sam's Merchants over Chilled Beverages and Shelf Stable Juices.
• Build strong business relationships and winning partnerships with Sam's merchants to develop and grow blithequark's businesses at Sam's Club.
• Provide superior customer service and lead customer negotiations to grow the business and deliver against sales, revenue, and profit goals.
• Leverage channel expertise and knowledge on customer strategy and priorities to identify profitable growth opportunities and inform blithequark's growth strategies and tactics.
• Lead all aspects of customers' joint business plan (JBP) process, including strategic and tactical plans, with merchants and other Sam's stakeholders as well as blithequark leadership.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to guide the development and implementation of strategic plans to align with customer goals, sell in innovation, and key initiatives to advance blithequark's position with the customer.
• Influence internal stakeholders to support customer annual operating plans, deliver on customer expectations, and unlock execution.
• Own the blithequark Sam's Customer P&L and leverage expert understanding of system economics and value chain to deliver against financial goals.
• Anticipate business issues and proactively plan resolutions to address and communicate to key stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Lead annual sales, revenue, profit, and key performance indicators planning (AOP - Annual Operating Plan).
• Oversee demand planning and supply chain customer service processes to guarantee that demand forecasts are accurate and customer orders are filled on time and in full.
• Manage item creation and pricing processes for Sam's blithequark business.

Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A Bachelor's Degree.
• Minimum 5 years of sales experience, preferably with a consumer-packaged goods organization.
• A minimum of 3 years of fact-based direct selling experience.
• Exceptional customer management, negotiation, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Strong use of influencing skills to gain alignment, agreement, and commitments with both internal and external key stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to send and receive information clearly and concisely in a compelling way.
• Superior presentation skills, with the ability to present at all levels within the customer and internal organization.
• Ability to plan and simultaneously manage major projects involving multiple stakeholders in an organized, focused, and efficient way to meet objectives and deadlines.
• Superior time management skills, with the ability to set priorities and multitask.
• Demonstrated analytical, critical thinking, and thought leadership skills to link customer and blithequark strategies and objectives and leverage insights to develop profitable growth plans.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently without constant direct supervision to solve problems by leading cross-functionally.
• Creativity to build win-win solutions.
• Solid understanding of financials, including P&L impact of sales decisions, and financial acumen to build sound and compelling profit-driving propositions for blithequark and the customer.
• Strong ability to work within and be successful in a fast-paced and matrixed environment.
• Strong PC skillset, especially on PowerPoint and Excel.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At blithequark, we are committed to the growth and development of our associates. As a Customer Manager, you will have the opportunity to work with a talented team of professionals, develop your skills and expertise, and contribute to the success of our business. You will also have access to training and development programs, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.

Work Environment and Company Culture

blithequark is a dynamic and innovative company that values diversity, sustainability, and philanthropy. Our work environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with a focus on teamwork, creativity, and results. We are committed to creating a positive and inclusive work culture that supports the well-being and success of our associates.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

blithequark offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, company-provided life, STD, and LTD insurance. We also offer voluntary life, accident, hospital, and critical illness coverages. Our compensation package is competitive, and we offer a range of perks and benefits to support the well-being and success of our associates.

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and results-driven sales professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply for the Customer Manager role at blithequark. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and innovative company, work with a talented team of professionals, and contribute to the success of our business. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your career to the next level and apply today!