Senior Customer Development Manager (Remote - East Coast or Central Time Zones)

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA•Bridgewater Township, NJ

1d•$150,000 - $170,000•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Customer Development Manager is responsible for the functional management, leadership, and empowering the execution of all sales related activities for the assigned Distributors which impact retailers across the total business. The individual will support the team with Nestle’s Co. systems (Osprey) and with customers systems. This role requires strong cross-functional leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, matrixed environment. Success is driven by proactive problem solving, disciplined execution, and the ability to translate data into clear, actionable customer strategies. This role includes responsibility for people leadership, coaching, and development, fostering a high-performance culture aligned with company values. The Senior Manager is expected to lead by example, build capability across the team, and contribute to talent development and succession planning while delivering business results.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business or related field is preferred.
At least 7 years sales experience preferred; with preferred experience managing or supporting strategic Natural Channel customers.
Prior experience leading people, projects, or cross-functional teams in a complex organization preferred.
Experience managing or partnering closely with distributors in a multi-tier retail model strongly preferred.
Experience in consumer goods and Vitamins and supplements is highly preferred.
Prior experience using syndicated data to determine customer needs and establish the most effective pricing and promotional activities that will increase sales and market share for the company and its customers.
Knowledge regarding Project Management, and experience with setting up and managing projects in a complex, fast-moving environment.
Knowledge regarding relationship management, experience and mindset to work with partners in building initiatives that deliver on goals.
Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.).
Ability to manage multiple priorities and multiple brands/categories.
High level of organizational skills, good written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated people leadership capabilities, including coaching, mentoring, and developing talent.
Ability to build trust, motivate others, and foster an inclusive, high-performance team environment.
Strong feedback and communication skills, with experience leading through change and ambiguity.
Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes without direct authority.
Strong executive presence and comfort engaging at multiple levels, internally and externally.
High learning agility with the ability to adapt quickly to new tools, systems, and ways of working.
Ownership mindset with accountability for outcomes, not just activities.
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
Must be able to multi-task and follow-up when responses are needed.
Deep understanding of the assigned Customers and how to develop demand creation plans.
The ability to utilize creativity and push beyond the obvious, comfortable going into “unchartered” territory in setting out recommendations and goals.
Problem solver with a solutions-oriented mindset.
Must be a dynamic leader who can push past obstacles and overcome objections.
Must be an articulate communicator who can quickly synthesize data.
P&L management and strong financial acumen.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop direct reports through clear goal setting, ongoing performance feedback, and regular development conversations.
Support talent development through onboarding, training, performance management, and career planning in alignment with company frameworks.
Provide leadership and direction within a matrixed organization, influencing cross-functional partners and project teams to achieve shared objectives.
Serve as a role model for collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the broader Customer Development team.
Lead and oversee distributor partnerships (e.g., KeHE, UNFI) in alignment with retailer strategy, including joint planning, issue resolution, and performance optimization across distribution, inventory & execution.
Lead and empower cross-functional collaboration across Customer Strategy, Finance, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Marketing to deliver aligned customer plans, resolve constraints, and achieve shared success.
Detailed understanding of the Customers go-to-market model including Category Management strategy.
Execute our brand and category growth strategy that aligns with the customer.
Identify new opportunities for growth; develop and implement strategic growth plans aligned with corporate goals.
Serve as a role model for collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the broader Customer Development team.
Educate our business partners on our products, retail goals, and measurement of success.
Translate syndicated data, customer insights, and internal analytics into clear, compelling narratives that inform strategy and influence customer decisions.
Develop executive-ready presentations and recommendations tailored to different customers and internal audiences.
Navigate ambiguity and changing priorities with a solutions-oriented mindset, proactively identifying risks and proposing paths forward.
Continuously improve processes, tools, and ways of working to increase efficiency, clarity, and impact.
Responsible for Trade Investment Management (Osprey) system inputs, trade fund management, direct sales forecasting and projection activities for the company.
Lead and empower strong Trade management/budget processing and an efficiency that focus on a strong ROI.