National Account Manager, Global Discounters

Ferrero•Chicago, IL

3d•$110,000 - $138,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We have a current opening for a National Account Manager, Global Discounters and are actively reviewing applications. The National Account Manager, Global Discounters and Distributors, will be responsible for executing and driving a retail sales plan across key Value Channel customers, including ALDI, Lidl, and Closeout Distributors in the US, resulting in the delivery of sales and profit growth for existing and new Ferrero products. This person will serve as the primary strategic business lead and customer-facing representative for these accounts, responsible for driving sustainable growth, strengthening customer relationships including wiring key leaders together, and leading cross-functional business execution. Success in this role requires strong ownership, initiative, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and fast-moving business environments. The ideal candidate will bring strong Value Channel or discount retail experience, with experience supporting ALDI and/or Lidl considered a plus. This person will report to the Value Channel Director and will ideally be based in the Eastern or Central time zones with preference for Metro Chicago, Nashville, or Parsippany, NJ.

Requirements

At least 8-10 years of Sales, Account Management, Merchandising, Category Management, and/or Customer Leadership experience is required, preferably within Value Channel, hard discount, mass, grocery, or related retail environments
Bachelor’s Degree is required
Interpersonal skills to interface effectively with the necessary internal and external stakeholders
Strategic and proactive thinking to develop sales strategies and translate them into distribution, shelving, pricing, and merchandising objectives
Strong data analysis skills to monitor performance in category and develop strategies to close gaps and increase sales
Management presentation competencies to effectively present key insights in front of internal and external stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to operate independently, prioritize effectively, and drive outcomes in a fast-paced, complex retail environment
Strong executive communication and storytelling skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into concise business recommendations
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders without direct authority
Ability to anticipate business challenges, identify opportunities, and proactively develop solutions
Strong organizational rigor and attention to detail across forecasting, planning, customer communication, and executional follow-through
Experience managing strategic national retail accounts with high levels of ownership and accountability preferred
Global and enterprising mindset and desire to build a successful career with a growing global company

Nice To Haves

ALDI and/or Lidl experience considered a plus
M.B.A preferred

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end category strategy, execution, and integration across ALDI, Lidl, and Closeout Distributors
Meet category revenue, volume, growth, profit, and share targets
Meet category distribution, shelving, pricing, and merchandising goals
Manage and strengthen strategic relationships with ALDI, Lidl, and closeout distributor category buyers
Develop and maintain strong multi-level customer relationships across buying, merchandising, supply chain, and operational functions to ensure continuity and long-term business partnership success
Deliver annual joint business planning sessions at ALDI & Lidl with monthly follow-ups
Lead customer-facing business reviews and strategic selling conversations grounded in category insights, customer economics, and growth opportunities
Actively engage and leverage Ferrero Global Strategic Business Development Group by delivering monthly business updates and quarterly business reviews
Influence cross-functional support to develop new and optimized pack types for ALDI and Lidl
Engage in formalized top-to-top innovation sessions at ALDI & Lidl to identify medium and long-term business opportunities and flag to Team Leader
Own relationship with ALDI & Lidl category buyers and execute formalized, value-added engagement plans with established feedback loops to act on customer input
Work collaboratively to develop innovative and insightful content to drive category growth
Demonstrate strong commercial ownership by proactively identifying risks, resolving issues, escalating barriers appropriately, and driving timely execution across internal and external stakeholders
Expand Closeout Distributor network by identifying new and trusted outlets for excess product
Develop and own accurate SKU-level forecasts each month based on expected demand, seasons, and promotions
Provide monthly and year-out forecasts and trade plans
Operate with a high degree of autonomy and accountability in managing customer strategy, planning, communication, and execution
Drive cross-functional alignment across Sales Planning, Supply Chain, Finance, Category Leadership, and Revenue Growth Management to support customer objectives and business priorities
Translate complex business data into clear, actionable recommendations for both internal leadership and external customers