Client Development Manager - Hybrid: Chicago

BuddiesHR; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Circana, a leading provider of technology, AI, and data solutions, seeks a Client Development Manager in a hybrid Chicago setting. You will build strategic client relationships, translate insights into growth opportunities, and drive revenue alongside cross-functional teams.

The role requires at least BA/BS and 6+ years in foodservice or related industries; travel <15%. The salary range is $85,000 to $105,000 with benefits including PTO, medical/dental/vision, and 401(k).

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent degree required; market research, economics, statistics, or marketing background preferred.
• 6+ years of relevant professional experience; foodservice experience preferred.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office; familiarity with Circana tools like Unify+ is a plus.
• Ability to travel as needed (<15%).

Responsibilities

• Serve as trusted advisor to leading foodservice clients by building strategic relationships and translating insights into growth opportunities.
• Analyze data and deliver actionable recommendations informing business decisions.
• Drive client success and satisfaction while expanding engagement with stakeholders.
• Support team development by mentoring a junior direct report.

Skills

Communication skills

Client relationship building

Strategic selling

Presentation skills

Education

BA/BS or equivalent degree

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

CoPilot

Unify+

Job description

Client Development Manager - Hybrid: Chicago

Job Category: Client Development

Requisition Number: MANAG022649

• Posted : September 17, 2026
• Full-Time
• Hybrid

Locations

Showing 1 location

Chicago, IL 60657, USA

Description

Client Development Manager

Let’s be unstoppable together!

Circana is a leading provider of technology, AI, and data solutions for consumer packaged goods companies, manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators. Our predictive analytics and Liquid Data platform help clients measure market share, uncover consumer behavior, and drive growth—powered by six decades of expertise and an expansive, high-quality data set.

At Circana, we are fueled by our passion for continuous learning and growth, we seek and share feedback freely, and we celebrate victories both big and small in an environment that is flexible and accommodating to our work and personal lives. We’re a global company dedicated to fostering inclusivity and belonging. We value and celebrate the unique experiences, cultures, and viewpoints that each individual brings. By embracing a wide range of backgrounds, skills, expertise, and beyond, we create a stronger, more innovative environment for our employees, clients, and communities. With us, you can always bring your full self to work. Join our inclusive, committed team to be a challenger, own outcomes, and stay curious together. Circana is proud to be Certified by Great Place To Work. This prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Circana.

At the heart of our commercial success is a team of professionals who combine strategic insight, customer-centricity, and executional excellence. These skills represent the core capabilities required to drive value for our clients and sustainable growth for our business.

• Effectively Presents Solutions: Delivers tailored, compelling solutions that align with customer needs and drive action.
• Knows the Buying Influences: Identifies key decision-makers and understands their motivations and influence.
• Manages Buyer Indifference: Recognizes and explores customer hesitation to uncover new needs or opportunities.
• Understands Customer Needs: Operates as a recognized expert to articulate customer needs in the customer’s business language and business context.
• Being Resilient: Bounces back from setbacks with composure and positivity; helps others stay productive during tough times.
• Manages Ambiguity: Stays focused and calm in uncertain situations; guides others through change.

What will you be doing?

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leading foodservice manufacturer and operator clients by building strategic relationships, understanding business objectives and challenges, and translating insights into growth opportunities.
• Leverage Circana’s broad portfolio of foodservice data assets and proprietary tools to analyze complex consumer and industry data, delivering clear, actionable recommendations that inform business decisions.
• Drive client success and satisfaction by proactively connecting market trends and performance data to strategic opportunities while expanding engagement across a broader range of stakeholders and end users.
• Support team development by thoughtfully managing and developing a junior direct report.

Job Responsibilities

• Drive Client Growth: Identify and pursue opportunities to expand client relationships by aligning Circana’s data and software solutions with their strategic goals.
• Deliver Insight-Led Solutions: Translate complex data into actionable insights that help clients make informed decisions and achieve measurable outcomes.
• Manage the Sales Cycle: Lead end-to-end sales processes including prospecting, needs assessment, solution development, negotiation, and closing.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with internal teams (e.g., Product, Analytics) to deliver integrated solutions and ensure client success.
• Maintain Industry Expertise: Stay current on trends in [retail, CPG, or general merchandise] to position Circana as a thought leader and trusted advisor.
• Build Strategic Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across client organizations, including decision-makers and influencers.
• Utilize Sales Tools and Platforms: Leverage Circana’s proprietary platforms (e.g., Unify+, Liquid Data, Intelligence Suite) to support client engagements and solution delivery.
• Achieve Revenue Targets: Meet or exceed individual and team sales goals through disciplined pipeline management and strategic account planning.
• Champion Client Success: Ensure client satisfaction by proactively addressing challenges, identifying growth opportunities, and delivering consistent value.
• Support Innovation and Feedback: Provide market feedback to internal teams to help refine offerings and contribute to product development.
• Advanced Analytic Skills: Demonstrated ability to conceive, manage, and deliver fact-based analyses, with a focus on consumer solutions, providing clients with clear, actionable insights to inform strategy.

Requirements

• BA/BS or equivalent degree required. Market research, economics, statistics, or marketing background preferred.
• 6+ years of relevant professional experience required. Foodservice industry experience preferred.
• Highly proficient in all MS Office products (strong Excel, PowerPoint, CoPilot). Prior experience with Circana’s proprietary tools like Unify+ is a plus.
• Ability to travel as needed (<15%).

As well as the technical skills, experience and attributes that are required for the role, our shared behaviors sit at the core of our organization. Therefore, we always look for people who can continuously champion these behaviors throughout the business within their day-to-day role:

• Stay Curious: Being hungry to learn and grow, always asking the big questions.
• Seek Clarity: Embracing complexity to create clarity and inspire action.
• Own the Outcome: Being accountable for decisions and taking ownership of our choices.
• Center on the Client: Relentlessly adding value for our customers.
• Be a Challenger: Never complacent, always striving for continuous improvement.
• Champion Inclusivity: Fostering trust in relationships engaging with empathy, respect, and integrity.
• Commit to each other: Contributing to making Circana a great place to work for everyone.

Location

This position can be located in the following area(s): Hybrid role based in Chicago, IL

Prospective candidates may be asked to consent to background checks (in accordance with local legislation and our candidate privacy notice). Your current employer will not be contacted without your permission.

The below range reflects the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, any collective bargaining agreements, and business or organizational needs. The salary range for this role is $85,000 to $105,000.

This job is also eligible for annual incentive plan (AIP) pay.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

An offer of employment may be conditional upon successful completion of a background check in accordance with local legislation and our candidate privacy notice. Your current employer will not be contacted without your permission.

This position is expected to remain open for approximately 30 days and may close earlier if sufficient qualified candidates are identified.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.