Customer Manager Associate

Acosta Group•Rochester, MN

2d•$20 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Customer Manager (ACM) is responsible for managing a designated territory and developing strong relationships with store managers and personnel to achieve short- and long-term performance objectives. Focused on small and midsize independent natural retailers, this role includes full wall-to-wall sales coverage, new item placement, schematic compliance, promotional selling, pricing surveys, and product merchandising. The ACM supports incremental sales growth by ensuring products are available, visible, and properly merchandised in stores. What's in it for you? Opportunity to work with leading natural and specialty retail brands Hands-on experience in sales, merchandising, and account management Supportive team environment with professional development opportunities Travel within the assigned territory with flexible daily schedules What will you do? Sell promotional programs and incremental product quantities through distributors such as UNFI and KeHE. Develop and maintain strong relationships with store managers and buyers through clear communication and follow-through. Ensure new items are placed quickly and accurately on shelves, maintaining schematic compliance. Identify and correct product voids, optimize shelf placement, and merchandise products effectively. Attend retailer resets as requested and complete in-store audits, pricing surveys, and other evaluations. Monitor and report competitive and market activity to management. Utilize supplied technology to report on results and track performance against objectives. Collaborate with the Sales Manager to set and review performance goals. How will you succeed? Build trust and rapport with store personnel and distributors to drive results. Demonstrate strong organizational, sales, and interpersonal skills. Manage multiple accounts efficiently while prioritizing high-impact activities. Maintain attention to detail and follow processes for reporting and merchandising. Be physically capable of performing in-store merchandising tasks and traveling across the territory.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
Sales experience preferred, especially in the natural products industry.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and sales skills with the ability to work effectively with team members, management, and external contacts.
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook and Excel.
Home space to securely store product samples for easy access.
Valid driver's license and proof of current auto insurance; ability to drive for extended periods.
Perform physical activities including standing (up to 33%), walking (33-66%), crawling, climbing, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.
Lift and carry items up to 10 lbs. (sedentary), 11-25 lbs. (light), and over 25 lbs. (medium work level).
Work primarily in independent natural retail stores, with travel required across the assigned territory.

Responsibilities

Sell promotional programs and incremental product quantities through distributors such as UNFI and KeHE.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with store managers and buyers through clear communication and follow-through.
Ensure new items are placed quickly and accurately on shelves, maintaining schematic compliance.
Identify and correct product voids, optimize shelf placement, and merchandise products effectively.
Attend retailer resets as requested and complete in-store audits, pricing surveys, and other evaluations.
Monitor and report competitive and market activity to management.
Utilize supplied technology to report on results and track performance against objectives.
Collaborate with the Sales Manager to set and review performance goals.