Associate Business Manager, Own Brands

Advantage Solutions•Grand Rapids, MI

12d•$50,800 - $63,500

About The Position

The Associate Business Manager is an entry-level business management role that receives guidance and direct supervision from more senior Business Managers. The position collaborates with Business Managers, senior leadership, suppliers, and retailers to execute growth objectives for private-label and own-brand products. It supports product and category analysis, marketing plans, promotions, advertising, merchandising, inventory forecasting, and new product development, while managing client relationships and projects from ideation through launch. The role is primarily office-based and sedentary, and has no direct reports.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business or equivalent experience.
The posting gives conflicting experience ranges: 2–4 years of Account or Brand Management experience in the initial qualifications, and 0–2 years in the minimum qualifications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Conflict management skills.
Decision-making skills.
Strong prioritizing skills.
Excellent customer service skills.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook, and web browsers.
Able to perform essential job functions in an office environment, including sitting for extended periods (66% or more of each day), hearing the telephone, entering data on a computer, and potentially lifting up to 10 pounds.

Responsibilities

Support private-label products and categories through analysis and development of marketing plans, promotions, advertising, in-store displays, merchandising strategies, inventory forecasting, and category support.
Assist with new product development and manage private-label product development timelines from ideation to shelf with retailers and suppliers.
Analyze trends and sales data to support Business Managers and Senior Business Managers.
Interact routinely with a limited number of suppliers and customers under the direct manager’s supervision.
Communicate cost increases and related information, with limited negotiation as needed.
Manage relationships with retailer Private Label/Own Brand teams and supplier partners; understand and communicate their strategies and priorities.
Coordinate new item launches, label updates, and product reformulations, keeping all parties on track to meet deadlines.
Manage supplier/client sales and revenue, negotiate brokerage rates, and manage contracts.
Facilitate projects with cross-functional teams, drive milestones within established timeframes, and identify potential risks and solutions.
Influence suppliers and retailers to take actions and make decisions that keep product development projects on schedule.
Manage client and retailer expectations throughout the product development process when necessary.
Obtain new sources of supply for retailer product development.
Advise the Business Manager of potential project roadblocks and help develop and execute solutions.
Support Business Managers with new business development.
Proactively communicate project progress with retailers, suppliers, internal teams, and third-party teams to help meet objectives.
May delegate work and provide guidance, direction, and mentoring to indirect reports.
Perform additional duties as assigned.