LocationCincinnati, OH
How will you fit into the big picture?The Kroger Customer Sales Executive (CSE) is responsible for profitably growing Kroger's Hershey business to achieve objectives and plans; including net sales, market share, trade spend, and sales activity margin. This role leads the development of Kroger HQ selling strategies with a focus on our Instant Consumable and Front-End business.
What will you do?The Customer Sales Executive (CSE) serves as a strategic subject matter expert responsible for driving profitable growth, strengthening customer relationships, and delivering business results for Kroger. This role leverages advanced sales, forecasting, analytical, and financial expertise to achieve net sales, market share, trade spend, and margin objectives while serving as a trusted advisor to internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities- Achieve net sales, market share, trade spend, and sales activity margin targets by developing and executing customer-specific business plans.
- Manage and allocate trade funds in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements to support profitable growth.
- Utilize Hershey and customer analytical tools, including PlanEx, Circana, Market 6, and 84.51, to drive insights and business decisions.
- Develop accurate sales forecasts and business plans in partnership with Customer Planning, Sales Planning, Sales Finance, and other cross-functional teams.
- Create and execute annual merchandising plans, manage trade budgets, clear deductions, process invoices, and support post-audit activities.
- Lead line reviews and business planning discussions with Kroger merchants and cross-functional partners to identify growth opportunities.
- Monitor and manage customer-related expenses, including waste and supply chain costs.
- Build strong partnerships with Kroger stakeholders and internal teams to deliver mutually beneficial solutions and agreements.
- Partner closely with Category Management to develop customer insights, growth strategies, and business recommendations.
- Support centralized selling initiatives, Joint Business Planning (JBP) activities, and division-level strategic priorities.
Qualifications & Skills- Strong business and financial acumen with experience managing P&L performance and trade investments.
- Expertise in forecasting, planning, data analysis, and translating insights into actionable strategies.
- Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and build trusted relationships with customers and cross-functional partners.
- Results-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, data-rich environment while balancing multiple priorities.
- Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
This role is responsible for delivering measurable business results, strengthening customer partnerships, and identifying growth opportunities that support both Kroger and Hershey strategic objectives.
Minimum Education & Requirements- Education: Bachelor's degree required
- Experience: At least 5+ years relevant sales experience
Benefits & PerksAt Hershey, we offer competitive pay and a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and life outside of work.
- Health & Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs that support your physical and mental health
- Financial Security: Competitive pay, annual incentive opportunities, and a 401(k) with company match
- Time Off & Flexibility: Paid time off, company holidays, and flexible ways of working where applicable
- Growth & Development: Career development programs, learning opportunities, and internal mobility
Benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility.
The anticipated base salary range for this role is $118800-$148500 per year. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skill set, education, and training. In addition to a market-competitive base salary, our Total Rewards package includes performance-based incentives and a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support overall physical, mental, and financial well-being (as applicable). Learn more about Hershey's benefits and all the resources Hershey provides to support our employees' physical, emotional, and financial well-being by visiting the Hershey Digital Employee Experience at www.askHRbenefits.hersheys.com
