Associate Channel Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Have you ever enjoyed Arnold, Brownberry or Oroweat bread? A Thomas? English muffin or bagel? Or perhaps snacked on a Sara Lee, Entenmann?s or Marinela cake or donut? If the answer is yes, then you know Bimbo Bakeries USA! More than 20,000 associates in bakeries, sales centers, offices and on sales routes work to ensure our consumers have the freshest products at every meal. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, we provide a safe and inclusive work environment that appreciates diversity, promotes development and allows our associates to be their authentic selves.#LI-VB1Come join the largest baking company in the world and our family of 20,000 associates nationwide!Top Reasons to Work at Bimbo Bakeries USA:Salary Range: $126,100 - $176,500Comprehensive Benefits PackageAnnual Bonus Eligibility401k & Company Match*** This role is a remote opportunity open to candidates located in the Central or East region in the United States ***Position Summary: The Senior Customer Executive will grow our distribution and drive operational excellence for our warehouse distribution portfolio across In Store Bakery, Refrigerated Breakfast, Private Label capabilities in the Club (US & Canada, Global Export), US Natural/Specialty Channel and Canadian Grocery. This role centers on a hunter?s mentality: Creating and executing multiple strategic plans across customers and classes of trade, that align cross functional teams to execute world class service, insights, product and brand capabilities for our customers. Leveraging our market position, world class portfolio of capabilities and products, internal stakeholders and strategic planning, you will play a vital role in driving sustained growth.Key Responsibilities:Grow, manage and optimize our distribution in Canada (warehouse distribution), Club (US and Canada + International Exports) and the Natural/Specialty Grocery Channel in the US and Canada.Effectively communicate and collaborate to internally to guide the commercialization process under your strategic plans for our business and your customers.Build and maintain productive, professional relationships with internal stakeholders, any assigned customers, distributors, and broker organizations, as needed.Develop and present quarterly and annual business plans in collaboration with managers &/or direct report(s) to maximize sales within regions/channels.Provide leadership and direction across all assigned account activities, influencing both short- and long-term business decisions internally and externally.Collaborate with Customer teams, General Management, Customers and Brokers to develop and track a pipeline of sales opportunities.Help develop and advise on our Club and Natural Channel strategy to systematically identify new business opportunities by leveraging data-driven insights, SWOT analysis & internal stakeholdersPartner with Supply chain, RGM, Business Development, Finance, and relevant customer teams to ensure seamless growth, operations, demand forecasting, production planning and execution.Provide excellent reporting of your business, diagnose issues and provide clear solutions to achieve growth plans.RESPONSIBILITY AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:25% on Club US/Canada, 25% on Canada Grocery, 50% on US Natural Specialty Grocery.Travel to customer locations, HQs, and industry events as required for business growth.Leadership Competencies:Adapts approach and attitude in real time, according to the changing demands of different situations.Creates a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.Education and Work History:BA/BS in Business, Marketing, or related field required. Minimum of 7 years of sales experience in retail sales, customer management, or equivalent roles.Proven experience managing and successfully growing Natural/Specialty channel brands.Expertise in CPG (ISB or Fresh dept preferred) operations, sales strategies, and retail customer dynamics.Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and negotiation skills.Strong analytical skills, including category, consumer insights, financial reporting and P&L management.Excellence in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, SharePoint, Outlook).SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:Understanding of Club and Natural Channel, including sales and merchandising techniques.Ability to create, absorb and implement change in a fast-paced, evolving business environment.The physical and mental demands described in each job posting are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of each job. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of each job.Bimbo Bakeries USA is an equal opportunity employer with a policy that provides equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, any other classification protected by law.It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.