Customer Development Manager - Independents

Job Description:Our Mars Wrigley team is looking for a Customer Development Manager to join a high performing, collaborative team within our Sales org focused on our Independents channel. We are seeking a natural relationship builder who thrives on driving clarity and results. You’ll also be an enthusiastic team player, who is keen to contribute to engagement and a positive team culture.This role is responsible for achieving profitable sales growth through creating and executing business plans for a core customer. As the Customer Development Manager, you’ll be accountable for maximizing customer and category performance whilst delivering efficient trade revenue optimization. With full P&L responsibility this role is accountable for developing and maintaining strong and influential relationships with customers and collaborating internally with stakeholders to deliver first class insights and solutions which help devise and execute mutually beneficial joint business plans and deliver sustainable growth.What are we looking for?Previous sales experience preferably managing customers within the Independent grocery channel. This includes selling, negotiating and leveraging insights to deliver tailored customer plans, achieving customer and company objectives and advancing category leadership.Previous customer experience and proven ability to deliver successful solutions that cover product, placement, promotion and/ or pricing; with an excellent track record of meeting/ exceeding sales objectives.Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to develop long term, effective and influential business relationships with key decision makers which drive mutual growth.Ability to assess needs, propose mutually beneficial solutions, overcome objections, demonstrate resilience and manage conflict with a positive & confident mind-set and close sale to maximise mutual value.What will be your key responsibilities?Lead the development and execution of the short and long term strategies of key MSO partners and IGA VIC, NSW & QLD businesses which optimise profitability and sales revenue and achieve company, category and customer objectives.Develops an understanding of the customer’s environment (e.g. external trends, competitors) and customers current and future needs which is leveraged to build shopper centric customer plans which drive mutual growth.Work collaboratively with the Mars Wrigley Independents team and other internal stakeholders to develop and implement the Independent grocery strategy and deliver long term sustainable growth in the market.Lead the development and execution of customer specific solutions e.g. assortment, merchandising, pricing and promotion which achieve customer, category and business objectives.What can you expect from Mars?Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.At Mars Wrigley, take pride in your contribution in creating better moments for millions through our brands, to the way we source, make and market our products.Applications will close June 8th and be reviewed regularly. We reserve the right to close the advertisement early if we have filled the position prior to the final day of advertising.Only candidates with valid working rights in Australia will be considered, and Mars does not accept agency applications.Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.