Customer Development Manager

Colgate-Palmolive; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer products company is seeking a commercially astute leader to drive sales and profit growth in Woking, Surrey. You'll influence commercial success, spearhead innovation, and be instrumental in developing tailored business strategies. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in building business relationships and excels in strategic thinking. Join a culture that values inclusivity and growth opportunities.

Benefits

Learning & development opportunities

Fast-paced operational environment

Global experience with brands

Qualifications

• Commercially astute leader with a proven track record.
• Results-oriented individual with exceptional strategic thinking.
• Adept at identifying growth levers in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Drive profitable growth through dynamic business planning.
• Leverage commercial instincts to optimize business performance.
• Develop and communicate a 3-year retailer strategy.
• Cultivate robust external networks for customer engagement.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Strategic thinking

Negotiation skills

Ability to translate data into strategies

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number #168162 - Nationwide, United Kingdom, United Kingdom

Overview

Who We Are Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name! Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Location: Woking, Surrey

Reporting to: Customer Development Director

Why Work For Colgate Palmolive

• The learning & development opportunities: You will refine your commercial mind-set and continue to learn new skills working closely with a cross-functional team giving you exposure to all local market departments.
• The challenge & variety: You will operate in a fast paced operational environment, directly impacting the day-to-day performance of the business, with personal accountability for your business.
• The global experience: You will have the opportunity to work with global brands, participate in global strategies with potential to develop your career internationally.
• The Colgate Values: We are Caring, We are Inclusive and We are Courageous are integral to how we operate every day

Job Purpose

In this pivotal role, you'll be instrumental in driving budgeted sales and profit growth, shaping a sustainable and mutually prosperous business model, and spearheading innovation within one of our most critical accounts. This is a unique opportunity to directly influence our commercial success and make a tangible impact on our market position.

What You Will Achieve

• Drive Profitable Growth: Consistently exceed quarterly and annual net sales, margin, and profit targets by developing, implementing, and actively managing a dynamic Joint Business Plan with tailored commercial strategies
• Strategic Commercial Acumen: Leverage your sharp commercial instincts to deeply interrogate business performance, swiftly identify critical issues and untapped opportunities, and lead effective resolution and optimization initiatives.
• Retailer & Shopper Expert: Develop a profound understanding of the client's strategic imperatives and their shopper insights. You'll then expertly align our brands and strategic intents within this environment to maximize impact.
• Collaborative Planning Excellence: Partner closely with our Shopper Development and Category Management teams to construct high-performing, shopper-centric plans that are fully integrated into the Joint Business Plan, optimizing for category growth.
• Forecast & Financial Ownership: Take full ownership of collaborative planning with the clients, meticulously inputting and delivering accurate customer forecast volumes, sales, and investment. You'll expertly manage the 5P planning process and provide clear identification of risks and opportunities on a monthly cycle.
• Financial Stewardship: Ensure meticulous management of customer ledger, financial accruals, and rebates, collaborating seamlessly with AR and Finance departments for accurate activation and settlement.
• Shape the Future: Develop, communicate, and rigorously implement a forward-thinking 3-year retailer strategy that positions us for sustained leadership.
• Innovative Solutions: Work closely and creatively with our Retail Marketing and Brand Managers to identify, develop, and implement groundbreaking business solutions that propel the client's business forward.
• Expand Influence & Opportunity: Cultivate robust external networks to deepen customer engagement, gain unparalleled insights into the retailer landscape, and be at the forefront of identifying new business opportunities and mitigating challenges.
• Internal Advocacy & Collaboration: Build strong internal networks to elevate the profile and business focus for clients, ensuring seamless cross-functional support. You'll be a key contributor and team player within the Customer Development Team (CDT), actively shaping overall team strategy and daily operations to optimize collective performance.
• Strategic Impact Beyond the Account: Proactively champion and lead business development projects within the Customer Development function, directly influencing and driving the broader commercial strategy of our organization.

Who You Are

• A commercially astute leader with a proven track record of building robust, influential business relationships and delivering highly creative, profitable solutions.
• A bright, ambitious, and results-oriented individual with exceptional strategic thinking and negotiation prowess, relentlessly committed to achieving and exceeding business objectives.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment, are adept at identifying growth levers, and possess the ability to translate complex data into actionable commercial strategies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.