Business Manager

Acosta•New Richmond, OH

About The Position

The Business Manager is responsible for managing assigned customer business within a defined marketing area. The role drives key business objectives by increasing sales and market share for represented brands while earning a profit for manufacturers and Acosta. It includes building strong relationships with customers and principals, supporting sales programs and initiatives, and coordinating with internal teams to achieve business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
Proven track record in sales; preferably with a food broker or national company.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, presentation, negotiation, and sales skills.
Ability to analyze sales and marketing information to make effective sales presentations.
Proficiency in a variety of software packages used to support the sales function.
Willingness to travel.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with grocery and/or military channels.

Responsibilities

Achieve principals’ volume, share, and sales fundamental goals—including merchandising, assortment, pricing, and shelving—at the lowest possible cost while maximizing company revenue through brokerage, commissions, bonuses, and contest earnings.
Communicate principals’ priorities to Retail Sales Managers, Sales Technology Managers (IT), Marketing Managers, Business Managers, and the retail selling organization to support in-store presence and business objectives.
Report directly to the General Manager or Team Leader and manage and participate in developing, designing, and presenting Acosta introductions to new principals.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with principals and customers, proactively communicating with key principals to foster collaboration and success.
Coordinate ongoing communication between General Managers and key principals; collaborate with Retail Sales Managers on major retail initiatives, including new product introductions, selling drives, and contests.
Coordinate principals’ market visits and key account calls, applying knowledge of customers, markets, and principals to sell principals’ programs and initiatives.
Use insights from Senior Vice Presidents, General Managers, Team Leaders, and Senior Business Managers to develop conceptual sales presentations that meet principals’ objectives.
Provide feedback to principals and the General Manager on the effectiveness of strategies, selling programs, and initiatives, and suggest ways to build organizational capacity and improve the business.
Maintain current account distribution information, review market pricing reports for accuracy and competitive activity, and collect and report competitive activity.
Manage personal skill development and share customer and manufacturer information with team members to help build organizational capacity.
Ensure client procedures and policies are followed; develop expertise in client proprietary systems for managing promotional plans and fund balances; monitor financial management, including deductions, and take corrective action as necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the business.