Marketing Program Assistant Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Thurston Foods is a leading provider of high-quality food products and services to schools, restaurants, and institutions. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, we offer a wide range of products and solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our mission is to provide exceptional service and support, ensuring that our customers have access to the best products and resources available

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vendor and Marketing Programs Coordinator is responsible for supporting vendor relationships, coordinating marketing initiatives, and administering vendor and marketing programs that contribute to business growth and operational efficiency.

This position works cross-functionally with vendor partners and internal Sales, Finance, and Marketing teams to coordinate program activities, track vendor funding and incentives, maintain accurate documentation, and support reporting and reconciliation efforts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate vendor and marketing programs from planning through execution.
• Serve as a point of contact for vendor partners regarding program requirements, timelines, documentation, and performance.
• Track vendor funding, marketing incentives, rebates, promotional activities, and related program expenses.
• Maintain accurate program documentation, contracts, agreements, and records.
• Monitor program performance and assist with reporting and analysis.
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance, Marketing, and other internal teams to ensure program objectives and deadlines are met.
• Support budget tracking and reconciliation of vendor and marketing program expenses.
• Assist with campaign tracking, reporting, and analysis to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Identify discrepancies or outstanding items and coordinate with appropriate internal or external partners to resolve them.
• Perform additional duties and support special projects as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Two (2) to five (5) years of experience in vendor management, marketing coordination, program administration, or a related field preferred.
• Experience managing or supporting vendor-funded marketing programs preferred.
• Experience with budgeting, rebates, incentives, campaign tracking, and program performance metrics preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Strong relationship-building and customer service skills.
• Ability to organize, analyze, and communicate program and financial information effectively.

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office 365.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, formulas, data analysis, tracking, and reporting.
• Experience with CRM systems and marketing automation platforms preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and vendor management tools preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience within foodservice distribution, wholesale distribution, or a related industry.
• Experience supporting vendor-funded marketing or promotional programs.
• Knowledge of vendor rebates, incentives, funding programs, and budget reconciliation.
• Experience with campaign tracking, reporting, and performance analytics.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with vendors and multiple internal departments.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Professional office environment. Primary office environment is ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist, or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques are required. May include lifting up to 25 pounds on occasion. 

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED

The above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements as the employee may be required to perform any other duties as assigned. In the event of an absence where the Buyer cannot perform these duties, the Manager will determine who shall perform these duties.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.