Customer Development Manager, Grocery

ARI (Axcel Recruiting Inc.); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Customer Development Manager to spearhead sales and profitability in the grocery sector. This role is pivotal in shaping customer agendas and launching innovative products while fostering strong partnerships with major retailers. You will manage customer P&L, oversee corporate selling initiatives, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution. With a focus on strategic leadership, this opportunity offers significant career growth and the chance to work with a passionate team dedicated to excellence. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are ready to make an impact, this role is for you.

Benefits

High-impact customer ownership

Career growth opportunities

Travel across key markets

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience in sales or customer management within CPG.
• Proven success in managing national grocery accounts.

Responsibilities

• Lead customer strategy, promotions, and business development.
• Develop joint business plans aligning with customer goals.

Skills

Sales Management

Customer Management

Analytical Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business

Marketing degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

CRM tools

IRI

84.51

Market6

Job description

Customer Development Manager – Grocery Channel (Roundy’s & Kroger Divisions)

Location: Flexible | Travel: ~50%

Join a leading CPG Food Company as a Customer Development Manager, where you'll be the strategic lead for driving sales, profitability, and market share across key grocery accounts, including Roundy’s Wisconsin, Roundy’s Chicago, and the Michigan Kroger Divisions. This role offers the opportunity to shape the customer agenda, drive new product launches, and create lasting partnerships with major retail decision-makers.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• You’ll lead national grocery relationships with influence and autonomy
• You’ll own customer P&L, promotions, and innovation strategies
• You’ll collaborate across cross-functional teams to deliver best-in-class execution
• You’ll represent iconic brands in the fast-paced, evolving grocery space

What You’ll Do

• Serve as the lead point of contact for customer strategy, promotions, and business development across assigned retail accounts
• Develop and execute joint business plans that align with customer goals and company strategic priorities
• Oversee all corporate selling initiatives including pricing strategy, display planning, and new product introductions
• Partner with internal teams (Sales Planning, Marketing, Supply Chain) to ensure seamless execution and customer alignment
• Conduct pre- and post-promotional analysis to optimize trade spend and identify missed opportunities
• Manage contracts, pricing files, and incentive programs while maintaining accuracy in both internal systems and retailer platforms
• Lead cross-functional business reviews and provide performance recaps to drive continuous improvement
• Provide regular updates on competitive insights and industry trends to influence brand and channel strategy
• Forecast sales volumes and manage overall customer budget, trade investment, and promotional ROI

What You’ll Bring

• 4–6 years of sales, customer management, or category experience within the CPG industry; beverage or snack background a plus
• Proven success managing national or regional grocery accounts
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, including forecasting and trade optimization
• Ability to collaborate across departments and lead internal and external teams
• Skilled in data tools such as IRI, 84.51, Market6, and margin analysis platforms
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and CRM tools
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Additional Perks

• High-impact, highly visible customer ownership
• Strategic leadership role with career growth opportunities
• Travel across key markets to strengthen relationships and execution
• Work with a collaborative, passionate, and values-driven team