Trade Optimization & Sales Analytics Manager

We are partnering with a well-established, rapidly growing food and beverage manufacturer that is looking to hire an experienced Trade Optimization and Sales Analytics Manager. In this pivotal role, you will transform business data into actionable insights, shaping strategic decisions for the executive team and cross-functional partners. This exciting position offers the opportunity to lead the integration of cutting-edge analytics tools, manage impactful business activities, and key performance reporting. As the go-to expert for the Trade Management system, you'll work closely with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Finance to drive efficiency in trade spending and fuel bold sales growth initiatives

Location: Hybrid – must be commutable to the greater Newark, NJ area

Job Responsibilities:

• Position provides analyses of brand/product/ customer performance to optimize sales and trade marketing programs and identify opportunities for growth and overall business improvement
• Work with sales regional leaders on critical strategic, organizational, and operational projects designed to increase revenue, sales productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Provide monthly analysis of planned trade expenditures vs. actuals
• Conduct quarterly business reviews to assess sales performance against trade objectives, make recommendations on modifications as needed, to maintain trade budget within organizational profitability objectives at regional and total company levels
• Work closely with marketing teams to develop annual trade plans that support brand objectives, customer growth, and revenue targets, utilizing financial acumen and knowledge of customer/channel structure
• Digest various analytic information such as syndicated data, POS reports, and distributor reporting to develop comprehensive recommendations around trade pricing, duration, and frequency. Develop and track ROIs by deal, by customer, by brand
• Serve as the system administrator and knowledge expert for our trade promotion management tool.
• Responsible for root cause analysis relative to any trade exceptions as outlined by the finance team
• Work closely with the Finance AR Manager to quickly and efficiently facilitate the resolution of customer trade issues
• Work with the VP of Strategy to develop an annual planning timeline for Trade Promotion planning
• First line troubleshooting and single point of contact on all trade reporting and serves as system subject matter expert
• Manage administrative functions such as data integrity, pricing, and user security protocol.
• Provide thought leadership, perform business analysis, and support the execution of high-impact strategic projects and mission-critical trade management initiatives.
• Work with our cross-functional partners (Sales, Marketing, Strategic Finance, Operations, and Customer Support) to ensure the successful execution of key projects, while continually finding opportunities for ongoing program improvements and enhancements.
• Anticipate business needs and proactively develop solutions and processes to control and improve efficiency.
• Consistently challenging the status quo, tracking, and monitoring business trends specifically related to trade promotion management with a focus on ROI.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• 8 years of extensive and progressive experience in Sales Strategy, Trade Promotion Management, Sales Analytics/Sales Planning in a CPG environment
• 5 years Trade promotion management software
• Must have an advanced mastery of Microsoft Excel
• Strong experience working with syndicated data SPINS, IRI is a must
• Keen attention to detail
• Power BI experience is a plus
• Great business acumen and exceptional strategic thinking skills balanced with operational execution capabilities.
• Strong competency in problem solving, analysis & project management. Ability to identify issues and develop and implement solutions to meet department and company goals.
• Extensive experience in building high-quality data models and C-level presentations.
• Self-starter; strong drive and work ethic; willingness to take on big challenges and own the results from brainstorming to execution.
• Finance background is a plus
• Track record of delivering trade promotion efficiency
• Fundamental knowledge of P&L structure and measures
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Able to influence others effectively.
• Driven to define the right key metrics and analyses to produce actionable insights.
• Strong executive presence, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Previous experience working in a fast-paced, matrix, result-driven environment that demands consistent and enduring excellence.