Kroger Team – Associate Business Manager

Shankman & Associates is a regional, full service, CPG broker covering all classes of trade, in an eight state, midwestern geography. In business for 40 years, Shankman & Associates prides itself in representing strong national manufacturers, while fostering an entrepreneurial environment suited for the best and brightest associates. Company culture is one of service and respect.

Summary: This position will be dedicated full time to the Kroger Team. The Associate Business Manager position will be responsible for learning all aspects/competencies of category and business management. Furthermore, to assist the Business Management Team with all aspects of the selling process and provide support where necessary. Strong project management skills are required and necessary for this position.

The ABM role will serve as the liaison between Kroger and the client base. This person will have direct responsibility for specific clients on top of supporting the Business Management Team. Also, they will be expected to contribute analysis and insights in the development of an overall understanding of key categories and sub-categories. This position will provide customer data and drive strategy with the sales team by providing category management and industry insights. Job will include interfacing with customers and clients at presentations and reviews in support of the business. Aligning the clients with Kroger’s priorities in a manner that is beneficial to all parties is paramount for this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Comfortable interacting with customers and clients in a gatekeeper fashion
• Effective problem solving and outside-the-box thinking to identify potential solutions
• Conducting every day and seasonal category analyses, and attending customer business reviews
• Willing to learn and become proficient in Kroger’s various data sources including Market6 and 84.51 Stratum
• Must use these data sources in all customer & client appointments

Ability to take on a project or task with an open-ended scope to uncover valuable findings or insights Analyzing the effectiveness of promotions run at the customers by determining cost, margin and sales lifts/declines for both the customers and clients Assemble and maintain annual sales plan that aligns with the customer & client’s financial guidelines Ability to manage client’s trade and spend budget throughout the year and adapt sales plan as needed Oversee contract & IMF entry and ensure accuracy of data that is submitted to the customer

• Sales presentation preparation and post appointment follow up

Travel:

As needed for trade shows, internal and client meetings

Competencies:

· Strong verbal & written communication

· Strong project management

· Articulate ongoing or potential problems and identify solutions

· Proactive approach to category management

· Relationship management

· Personable

· Time management

· Judgment and decision making

· Active listening

Qualifications:

· Undergraduate degree in Business, Management, Sales or Marketing (or related area) is required

· Experience in CPG industry is preferred but not required

· Relationship and business management and problem solving in previous role is required

· Strong passion or desire to be part of the CPG industry is required

General Computer knowledge and skills:

Experience with Microsoft Office products a must

Experience with Kroger data software (Market6 & Stratum) is preferred but not required

Nielsen & IRI experience is preferred but not required

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location:

• One location

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

This Company Describes Its Culture as:

• People-oriented – supportive and fairness-focused

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday