Customer Development Manager - Costco (Seattle Area)

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA • $95K — $115K *

Seattle, WA 98115In-Person

Food & Beverages

Less than 5 years of experience

Today

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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business or related field preferred
5+ years' experience in customer management, with at least 2 years in large account management
Sales experience in grocery, drug, and/or mass retail channels
Understanding of Costco and the Club channel
Experienced in using syndicated data for pricing and promotional strategies
Strong project management knowledge in a complex environment
Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point)

Responsibilities

Develop strategic relationships with internal teams and Costco
Focus on retailer-specific wins like displays and distribution
Establish strong connections with Customer Strategy, Finance, and digital teams
Understand and apply the customer’s go-to-market model
Execute brand growth strategies aligning with customer needs
Identify growth opportunities and develop strategic sales plans
Build relationships with Costco Buyers and buying teams to influence assortment
Educate partners on products and retail goals
Manage daily business operations and logistical support
Sell in new products and promotions as necessary
Handle Trade Investment Management processes with efficiency
Collaborate in forecasting and inventory planning for Costco
Provide monthly reporting and sales analytics to maximize efficiency
Evaluate SKU performance for improvements
Manage P&L for assigned accounts

Benefits

Flexible remote work arrangements
Opportunity to work with a major retailer, Costco
Involvement in strategic planning and implementation
Access to training and development resources
Work in a dynamic and solution-oriented environment
Collab with cross-functional teams for broader insights

Full Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Customer Development Manager is responsible for the functional management, leadership and execution of all sales related activities for the Costco business. The individual will support the team with Nestle's Co. systems (Osprey) and with corresponding customers systems. This position is remote and will be supporting Costco items but with Washington State/Seattle area preferred.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop strategic and winning relationships throughout Internal organization and Costco for both inline and .com success.
Particular focus will be retailer specific wins (i.e., displays, distribution gains, ACV enhancement, etc.).
Establish strong working relationships with all internal teams including Customer Strategy, Finance, Customer Service, shopper and digital teams.
Detailed understanding of the Customers go-to-market model including Category Management strategy, E - commerce strategy and translate to the interna organization.
Deliver target Budget plan and new product distribution goals.
Execute our brand and category growth strategy that aligns with the customer.
Identify new opportunities for growth while mapping out plans and strategy for existing distribution; develop and implement strategic written sales plans in accordance with corporate goals.
Build and manage relationships with Costco Buyers, Assistant Buyers, and regional buying teams to drive assortment decisions and long-term growth.
Foster and grow existing and new relationships within account, gaining a deep understanding of current and potential future needs of our customers.
Educate our business partners on our products, retail goals, and measurement of success.
Build customer presentations that demonstrate innovation, shelf positioning, promotions, communicate pricing, etc.
Manage daily business in partnership with customers, including: UPC product/item setup, maintenance, logistics and inventory management.
Sell-in new products and all promotions.
Responsible for working with agencies to input Trade Investment Management (Osprey): system input, trade fund management, direct sales forecasting and projection activities for the company.
Strong Trade management/budget processing and an efficiency that focus on a strong ROI.
Partner cross-functionally to support Costco depot distribution model, including forecasting, inventory flow, and replenishment planning.
Monthly reporting, sales analytics and insights; understand go-to-market strategy and how to maximize sales efficiency.
Continuously evaluate SKU productivity and recommend pack, pricing, or promotional adjustments to improve velocity.
Perform other duties as required.
P&L management within respective account coverage.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in business or related field preferred.
5+ years' experience preferred; minimum 2 years Managing Large Customers desired.
Sales experience in the Grocery, Drug and/or Mass retail channel(s) is required.
Understanding of Costco and the Club channel required.
Experience in consumer goods and Vitamins and supplements is highly preferred.
Prior experience using syndicated data to determine customer needs and establish the most effective pricing and promotional activities that will increase sales and market share for the company and its customers.
Knowledge regarding Project Management, and experience with setting up and managing projects in a complex, fast-moving environment.
Knowledge regarding relationship management, experience and mindset to work with partners in building initiatives that deliver on goals.
Strong cross functional relationships with assigned accounts.
Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.).

SKILLS:

Ability to manage multiple priorities and multiple brands/categories.
High level of organizational skills, good written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
Must be able to multi-task and follow-up when responses are needed.
Deep understanding of the assigned Customer and how to develop demand creation plans.
The ability to utilize creativity and push beyond the obvious, comfortable going into "unchartered" territory in setting out recommendations and goals.
Problem solver with a solutions oriented mindset.
Must be a dynamic leader who can push past obstacles and overcome objections.
Understand the value of listening to customers, gaining insights and moving objectives forward.
Must be an articulate communicator who can quickly synthesize data.
P&L management and strong financial acumen.

About Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA

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