Retail Partner Specialist (GRAND RAPIDS)

Who We Are

At Lindt, we are a global fast-growing consumer goods company, enchanting the world with premium chocolate. We are driven by our passion for excellence and go the extra mile ensuring that every Lindt experience is nothing short of exceptional. Our collective efforts are geared towards making a positive impact, not only in the world of premium chocolate but also in the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. Our company embraces a culture defined by the core values of Excellence, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Responsibility, and Collaboration, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment where these principles drive our success.

Position Purpose :

The individual in this position will partner with the Northeast National Business Manger to sell and execute Lindt Everyday and Seasonal programs at assigned retailers which can include : Meijer, Wegmans, Giant Eagle, Market Basket, Wakefern, Price Chopper and Tops. The KAS will also serve as Lindt retail coordinator to work with our 3rd Party (Premium Retail) to get monthly executional plans and directives to the sales reps. Additional responsibilities would be special projects, working closely with Broker, giving upward feedback from the retailers to help NBM design best in class Corporate Strategies, new item set-ups, and participate in annual planning and internal presentations.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities :

Sales & Account Management

Work cross functionally with Category and Go to Market teams to create and present data and driven sales presentations to assigned retailers.

Analyze both syndicated and proprietary data to deliver a high level of analysis to provide insights and recommendations to support Lindt & Sprngli's continued growth. Additionally, report data and insights on a weekly, monthly, or as-needed basis.

Compile monthly retailer business updates for review with the NBM. Include insights, risks and opportunities for the business.

Prepare seasonal debriefs and post-analysis together with Analyst & Category Advisor to share internally and back to retailers

Prepare call reports post meetings.

Work with Broker Partners to ensure all new items and programs are set up accurately and on time within customer systems.

Collect and analyze KPI's for Retail partners and deliver opportunities and successes

Work with NBM to ensure all Lindt Samples (New Items, Shippers, etc) are ordered and delivered to all retailers.

Fiscal Responsibility

Monitor retailer performance and profitability to ensure results, plans, and programs are within trade budget, all while keeping in mind the overall profitability of Lindt & Sprngli (USA). Make recommendations as needed.

Conduct routine promotional analysis to assess efficiency and effectiveness of trade spending and make recommendations to the NBM as needed to optimize future planning and support initiatives.

Partner with the NBM in the management of accurate monthly rolling forecasts in the planning systems.

Collaborate with Demand Consensus Group (including Finance, the planning group and Marketing) to deliver relevant information that provides value to each of their respective departments.

Order & Inventory Management

Develop strong direct working relationship with NBM and Lindt Demand Planning and Logistics Teams, as well as Lindt Customer Service, in order to guarantee alignment on all ordering recommendations.

Track orders vs. commitments for shippers and seasonal programs to ensure compliance.

Perform detailed opportunity gap and potential sales analysis to determine recommended order quantities for Seasonal programs by retailer.

Product Development & Innovation

Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the L&S product portfolio and brand positioning to optimize sales efforts and guarantee fact-based selling; remain up to date with brand strategy and promotional initiatives which impact the business and are of interest to customers.

Develop recommendations and assist the NBM in management of specific customer marketing needs for customer.

Monitor competitive product and promotional activity and provide recommendations based on findings.

Qualifications & Requirements :

Skills & Knowledge :

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Strong interpersonal and fact-based selling skills.

Excellent verbal, written and formal presentation skills; strong negotiating skills

Strong data analysis skills with ability to articulate short and long-term business implications.

Detail-minded and results oriented.

Ability to identify and solve problems strategically.

Advanced computer skills and proficiency with IRI, AC Nielsen, Microsoft Office Suite

Experience : Required

2 -3 years CPG experience required

Preferred

Experience calling on Meijer. Wegmans a plus.

Experience in confections