Associate Manager Jobs in Bolingbrook, IL (NOW HIRING)

Description

 Storck is a privately owned, family-managed company with a proud heritage of crafting high-quality confections enjoyed by millions around the world. With iconic brands including Werther's Original, Mamba, Merci, Toffifay, Riesen and Knoppers, Storck has built a reputation as a global leader rooted in strong values and a passion for excellence. Our U.S. business unit plays a critical role in bringing these beloved brands to life across one of our most dynamic markets, while partnering closely with customers, leveraging data-driven insights, and fostering a culture of collaboration, performance, and growth. Joining Storck means becoming part of a company that combines the stability and integrity of a family business with the energy and ambition of a forward-thinking organization. 

Summary: The Trade Marketing Associate Manager for Storck USA is part of the Business Activation department and supports activities within Trade and Shopper Marketing with a focus on a specific brand and/or family of brands. The Trade Marketing team develops and implements effective go-to-market strategies and retail communication plans to drive sales, market share growth, and enhance brand visibility across all retail channels. This role requires a big picture thinker with strong analytical skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Channel Strategy and Commercialization

• Lead respective brand channel strategies and go-to-market implementation. 
• Lead development and commercialization efforts for all point of sale, including project scope, timelines, status tracking, costing and resources to ensure successful execution.
• Timely and effective communication of all project related information such as timelines, deadlines, expectations and changes to cross functional teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with German counterparts, internal colleagues and external colleagues including packaging suppliers.

Trade & Shopper Program Development, Implementation and Execution:

• Includes All Year-Round support, Drive Periods, Product Launches, Seasons
• Support development, implementation, execution, and optimization of in-store/online retail marketing strategies and programs for a Storck brand(s).
• Tactics include but not limited to: coupons, displays, in-store signage, retail media, and events.
• Support development of investment strategy aligned to brand and customer priorities and overall profitability targets. 
• In consultation with Brand and Category Management, support development and delivery of selling materials, POS displays, and merchandising solutions.
• Effective execution of all trade/shopper marketing initiatives.
• Monitor campaign performance.

Shopper & Retail Insights:

• Maintain a strong understanding of retail environment.
• Stay updated with industry trends and best practices in trade marketing, applying relevant insights to improve Storck's market presence.
• Support build out of data-backed understanding of shopper journeys, trends, and behaviors.

Data -Driven Decision Making and Market Analysis:

• Analyze sales data, pricing trends, and market share to identify growth opportunities.
• Support development of regular reports and presentations to communicate insights and recommendations to senior sales and marketing leaders

• Fulfill Storck Values: Passion, Performance, and Sense of Belonging
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and data analytics platforms.
• Experience in brand and/or trade marketing strategies and consumer insights.
• Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to work with complex data sets, identify trends, and develop innovative solutions to drive business growth.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on driving measurable business outcomes and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum three (3) + years experience in Sales, Marketing, Category Management, Trade Marketing, Shopper Marketing required
• FMCG/CPG Industry experience preferred

Working Conditions: Hybrid Work Model, including Monday and Friday Work from Home, and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday in normal working conditions for an office environment downtown Chicago, IL. 

Travel: Approximately 5-10%, which potentially includes international travel.  

Other Qualification, Safety Procedures: Must be willing to follow and comply with communicated Company, Travel, and Retailer safety procedures, which may include COVID-19 testing or following other safety procedures in order to attend meetings, travel domestically or internationally, comply with Retail Partner safety procedures, and/or follow other workplace health and safety requirements to fulfil job duties.  

What We Offer: The salary range for this position is USD $90,000-$105,000 annually at the time of this posting.  Pay is based on several factors, including but not limited to position offered, education, skills, work experience, and other factors permitted by law.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range.  This position is also eligible for bonus pay.  

In addition to your salary, Storck offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including a 6% employer 401(k) plan contribution, Health benefits on day 1 including a 100% employer paid option for medical and dental, Hybrid flexible work schedule including reduced Friday hours all year round, Paid maternity/paternity leave, Monthly wellness stipend, and more. This position is also eligible for PTO ranging from 35-45 days based on our Company PTO Policies and paid Sabbaticals ranging from 5-20 days based on tenure. Plus, we can't forget to mention the supply of delicious candy!! 

Additional information regarding the benefits for this position can be found in the Benefits Summary that is available from our Human Resources Department.