The Wakefern Team Lead, Perishables, is responsible for driving client success by leading a team of business managers, sales development managers, and directors. This role focuses on advancing client objectives across innovation, assortment, merchandising, pricing, and promotion to deliver increased market share, volume, and profitability within assigned accounts.
The Team Lead also oversees key customer relationships, providing both strategic direction and hands-on execution to align client goals with customer growth initiatives. This includes supporting category growth and delivering impactful results for key partners such as Wakefern.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:- Lead the development of performance objectives, business plans, and evaluation metrics for team members and cross-functional partners.
- Drive collaboration between clients and customers through proactive communication, joint business planning, and a structured cadence of engagement, including regular touchpoints and bi-annual executive "Top-to-Top" meetings to review performance, identify opportunities, and align on future initiatives.
- Apply deep knowledge of client products, policies, and organizational structure to develop realistic, results-driven strategies that support business growth.
- Monitor and analyze industry, market, customer, and category trends, including promotional activity, consumer behavior, and demographic shifts, to inform strategic decision-making and identify best practices.
- Provide senior-level management of client and customer relationships, with a focus on innovation, assortment, pricing, promotions, merchandising, shelving, and claims management.
- Maintain accountability for all aspects of client and customer engagement, including accurate record-keeping, effective use of company systems (e.g., SharePoint and customer portals), and timely communication.
- Establish and maintain strong, professional relationships with clients, customers, leadership, and team members; proactively escalate risks and opportunities as needed.
- Participate in ongoing training and development to strengthen leadership, communication, analytical, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Supervisory Responsibilities: - Lead, coach, and develop team members in alignment with company policies and applicable laws.
- Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management processes.
- Assign and direct work, provide ongoing feedback, and support professional development to maximize team effectiveness and results.
Perks:- Paid Holidays
- Medical/Dental/Vision/VTL
- Flexible Spending Account
- Company-paid Life/AD&D Insurance
- 401k match
- Generous PTO
Requirements
Education & Experience- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required
- 10-15 years of relevant industry experience, or a combination of education and experience
- Prior experience working with Wakefern is not required; however, candidates must have 3-5 years of strong customer experience
Technical Skills- Proficiency in order processing systems
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and Word
Core Competencies- Strong critical thinking skills, including analysis, evaluation, and problem-solving
- Ability to synthesize syndicated data and shipment reports, think strategically, and generate creative solutions
- Effective prioritization and goal-setting capabilities
Additional Requirements- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
To perform this role successfully, candidates must be able to execute each essential function effectively. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
