Channel Effectiveness Manager

Mars (New); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University learning

Medical and dental benefits

401k plan

Bonus potential

Paid time off

Job summary

Mars Snacking is seeking a Channel Effectiveness Manager to connect our Brand Marketing and Sales teams, champion the Voice of the Customer, and drive growth with top retail accounts.

You will co‑lead joint business planning, translate shopper insights into strategic actions, and influence partners to accelerate market share. Expect travel ~10–15% and growth opportunities through Mars University and a competitive compensation package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field.
• 4–6+ years of progressive commercial experience in Sales Planning, Customer/Channel Development, Category Management, or KAM in CPG/FMCG.
• Proven track record executing channel strategies and joint customer business plans.

Responsibilities

• Execute channel strategies and commercial playbooks with Sales Directors and Customer Development Managers.
• Lead annual channel planning sessions and contribute to national playbooks.
• Forecast reviews, identify and close gaps between demand and supply.
• Tailor selling stories and promotions to customer/channel needs; optimize product allocations.
• Collaborate across Brand, Customer Marketing, and Supply Planning to enable market execution.

Skills

Channel strategy

Joint business planning

Forecasting

Cross-functional collaboration

Demand planning

Sales planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA (preferred)

Tools

SAP

Blue Yonder/JDA

Anaplan

Nielsen/IRI

Power BI

Job description

Job Description:

Channel Effectiveness Manager - Club/Value/Drug/Grocery/Walmart/On-the-go Benticonville, AR & Chicago, IL Multiple Opportunities

As a Customer Marketing Manager for Mars Snacking, you will be the critical link connecting our Brand Marketing and Sales teams. You’ll champion the 'Voice of the Customer' internally and represent the 'Voice of the Brands' across top retail accounts. Working within an integrated marketing team, you will co‑lead joint business planning, translate shopper insights into actionable commercial strategies, and influence retail partners to accelerate brand growth and market share.

What are we looking for?

Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience). 4–6+ years of progressive commercial experience in Sales Planning, Customer/Channel Development, Category Management, or Key Account Management within Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or FMCG.Proven track record of executing channel strategies, commercial playbooks, and joint customer business plans. Demonstrated experience working with sales forecasts, demand planning, and gap analysis (e.g., aligning operational forecasts with commercial targets/One Demand plans). Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills with a history of partnering with Sales Directors, Customer Marketing, Brand Marketing, and Supply/Demand Planning. Proven ability to organize, lead, and facilitate annual channel planning sessions and senior leadership meetings.This position requires domestic travel estimated at 10–15% of business time, subject to business needs.

Preferred:

Master’s degree / MBA in Business, Marketing, or Supply Chain. 6–8+ years of CPG/FMCG experience supporting major retail channels (e.g., Mass, Grocery, Pet Specialty, Club, or E‑Commerce). Proficient with commercial forecasting and ERP systems (such as SAP, Blue Yonder/JDA, Anaplan, Nielsen/IRI, or Power BI). Direct experience managing product allocations, supply constraints, and customer service level targets during high‑demand or promotional cycles.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Partner with Sales Directors and Customer Development Managers to execute channel strategies, commercial playbooks, and high‑impact seasonal/innovation launches. Steer the channel‑level annual planning framework, provide input into National Playbooks, and facilitate senior leadership planning sessions. Represent the channel in forecasting reviews, identifying and resolving gaps between customer demand (One Demand) and supply capabilities.Tailor national selling stories, promotional displays, and brand marketing content to align with specific customer and channel needs. Collaborate with account teams to establish program targets and optimize product allocations to protect customer service levels. Own and orchestrate the upfront stages of commercial programs—collaborating across Brand, Customer Marketing, and Supply Planning to set the foundation for seamless market execution.

What can you expect from Mars Snacking?

Work with 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. A strong focus on 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.The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 108,160.00 - USD 148,720.00

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role. This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.

Mars is a family‑owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best‑loved brands: M&Ms®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL®, and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.