Customer Manager (Natural Channel) at Acosta in Seattle, WA

Summary: Acosta is a part of Acosta Group, specializing in retail sales services and digital strategy. The Customer Manager for the Natural Channel will manage business within designated customer accounts, focusing on driving sales growth and ensuring effective client engagement and strategic planning. Responsibilities: - Achieve Sales Goals : Deliver principals’ objectives, including volume and sales fundamentals such as merchandising, assortment, pricing, and shelving goals at the assigned customers, all at the lowest cost - Strategic Planning : Develop a comprehensive Customer Business Plan that aligns with the principals’ business priorities and drives long-term success - Client Engagement : Personally call on all decision-makers at the customer to present and sell business plans, programs, and concepts that enhance business results - Cost Management : Achieve results at the lowest possible selling cost while maximizing company revenue through brokerage, commissions, bonuses, contest earnings, and more. Oversee all manufacturers’ expenditures at the customer - In-Store Presence : Ensure a competitively superior in-store presence in the assigned stores by calling on headquarters, supervisors, and other customer operations personnel for both direct and indirect customers - Trade Marketing : Manage manufacturers’ trade marketing funds, process direct shipments via the Sales Support Coordinator, and leverage data to sell concepts to the customer - Budget Adherence : Operate within the designated budget, ensuring efficient use of resources - Proactive Communication : Maintain open lines of communication with key principals to ensure alignment and collaboration - Retail Initiatives : Collaborate with Retail Sales Managers on major retail initiatives, including new product introductions, selling drives, and contests - Market Knowledge : Utilize your knowledge of the customer, market, and principal to involve marketing, technology, and administrative resources in achieving objectives - Timely Information Sharing : Provide timely information on selling priorities to Retail Sales Managers, supervisors, and shared resources in marketing, technology, and administration - Team Collaboration : Share information and customer/principal insights with team members to build organizational capacity and drive collective success - Technology Utilization : Utilize computer systems and technology to achieve the objectives of the Customer Business Plan and continuously develop and maintain skill levels to support the use of Acosta communication systems - Feedback and Improvement : Provide feedback to the Team Leader and/or General Manager on ways to build organizational capacity and improve business operations - Special Projects : Complete special projects as requested, contributing to the overall success of the team Required Qualifications: - Bachelor of Arts Degree or equivalent work experience - A minimum of six+ months of relevant experience in retail (CPG industry), marketing, space management, and/or resets - Sales administration or finance experience is preferred - Expertise in Microsoft software, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook, along with thorough knowledge of web-based applications - Excellent presentation and communication skills are a must - Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with strong organizational skills Required Skills: Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Web-based Applications, Retail Sales, Marketing, Space Management, Sales Administration, Finance, Project Management Benefits: Flexible scheduling options, Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities