We’ve got a great opportunity for an experienced Customer Development Lead (CDL) to join our UK Packaged Mults & Convenience Commercial Team here at Nichols plc – the home of Vimto!
Our UK Packaged route to market has ambitious and sustainable commercial growth plans and we’re looking for a dynamic, forward thinking, commercially savvy leader to drive the delivery of our strategic plans for the Mults channel.
As a Customer Development Lead, you will work closely with the Business Unit Controller for Mults, Convenience & e-Comm, along with key members of the broader UKP commercial & marketing team (category, revenue growth management, brand, insights & shopper marketing) to develop & lead the implementation of the 3-year Mults channel strategy.
You’ll have full channel P&L, forecast & budget responsibility, and you’ll love collaborating cross-functionally with operations and procurement to ensure robust and integrated plans are in place through our S&OP process.
As well as having full commercial account management responsibility for one of our largest Mults accounts, you will also be responsible for developing and supporting your channel account team members to create and evolve effective customer plans aligned to both our ambitious growth plans and our customer strategies. Plus, you will play a key role in enabling your team to fulfil their potential through ensuring active development plans are in place and by fostering a high performing team culture.
You’ll also be a visible leader and gain broader business insights through being the commercial workstream lead on group strategic projects and representing UK Packaged in key cross functional forums.
Here’s a little more info to really bring the opportunity to life for you:
ABOUT THE JOB;
* Full P&L responsibility and customer account management including:
o Accurate forecasting (volume & financial) to inform Sales & Operational planning process
o Joint business plan development and ongoing management to ensure budgets are effectively managed and profitability is maximised.
o Performance reporting v’s different metrics, identifying risks, mitigation and driving commercial opportunities
* Working closely with the Category Manager to ensure effective and optimal delivery of the category strategy across core customers and supporting the BUC in identification of new opportunities that may arise to further support this.
* Working closely with the Shopper Marketing Manager to support the team to implement the channel & account specific shopper marketing activation plans (Instore & digital) with consideration to key customer events, promotions & strategies
* Collaborate with the Revenue Growth Management team to:
o Evolve the channel PPPA strategy with consideration to cross-channel impact
o Ensure ongoing ownership and adherence to the channel price file
o Optimise pricing and promotional strategies and finding sometimes “alternate ways of working” which may challenge the convention to drive growth.
* Support the continued development & implementation of individual customer account plans, to accelerate account growth by constantly reviewing and leveraging opportunities across volume, revenue, and distribution utilizing:
o Building relationships which foster more collaborative, strategic customer synergies / alignment
o Strategic insights - category, consumer demand spaces & category growth drivers
o Revenue growth management & PPPA strategies
o Shopper marketing strategies
* Contribute to strategic projects (business wide & functional) where required representing UKP ensuring commercial requirements/impacts are considered.
* Build strong relationships internally with cross functional teams to ensure the day-to-day operations are aligning to 3 year strategies, the UKP projects are on track plus we are ready & quick to react with contingency planning / solutions whenever corrective actions are needed
* Continue to build and harness exceptional key relationships across the channels on a frequent basis ensuring that the business’ presence is optimised from an external perspective.
* Ongoing team development and delivery of a high performing channel team through identification (individual development plans) of development and growth opportunities either in house or as required externally.
* Representation at key cross functional monthly forums inc. S&OP as well as Sales and Marketing Channel Review meetings.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED;
* Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
* Excellent Leadership abilities with understanding of high performing teams
* Natural ability to engage stakeholders at all levels and develop enduring relationships
* Strong analytical skills, commercially savvy and solution focused to problem solving
* Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
* Understanding of promotional planning, execution & review (Instore & online)
* Knowledge of PPPA strategies & omni channel shoppers, S&OP and IBP
* Awareness of ESG strategy and importance within an FMCG environment
* Strong IT skills including all MS Office applications
* Knowledge of UK soft drinks market preferable
ABOUT YOU;
* Experienced Customer Development Lead or Senior National Account Manager
* Successful track record of managing a Top 4 Grocery accounts
* Proven success in leading and managing business goals and strategies, showcasing strong strategic planning and execution capabilities.
* Experience of handling a multi branded portfolio
* Able to effectively communicate & build enduring stakeholder relationships at all levels, both internally and externally
* Visible and authentic leader, open, honest and approachable
* Dynamic, positive, highly motivated with a personal growth mindset, passionate about developing others
* Financial acumen with a track record of managing budgets and driving financial performance coupled with an analytical mindset for data-driven decision-making
ABOUT NICHOLS PLC – THE HOME OF VIMTO:
There is no other business quite like ours, we think this is a special place to work, even if we do say so ourselves! That means an opportunity like this is not to be missed.
We have been making life taste better since 1908. As well as our refreshingly different Vimto taste, our varied brand portfolio spans the still, carbonated, post-mix, and frozen drinks categories – so you will find us in your local supermarket, pub and leisure outlet. We also work with the UK’s leading food manufacturers to provide a truly unique range of products everyone loves.
At the heart of everything is our rich family heritage, an unrelenting ambition to keep innovating, and a true pride in who we are.
It is our team of talented people that make us. We are actively looking for difference and we are working hard to make sure all our practices are inclusive.
We have an agile approach to working. Whilst you’ll have a desk in the office, if you prefer to work from home some of the time, you can. You’ll work in the office a minimum of two days a week with additional days based on business requirements. Our core hours approach allows you to balance your work and home life.
BENEFITS OF WORKING @VIMTO;
No matter where you work in our business you will be entitled to the following; these are just some of the benefits and perks;
- 25 days holiday (with opportunity to buy extra every year)
- Private medical cover
- Your birthday off work
- 1 day a year off work to volunteer in the community (you choose)
- Hybrid working
- A generous pension scheme
- Annual Bonus
Plus this role comes with a Company Car Allowance.
Join us and #findyourdifferent
While our people tell us Nichols plc is a great place to work, we know we can do more. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and are learning what this means every day.
We are striving to ensure we are building more diverse teams, we are at our best when we bring together our different life experiences, ways of thinking and individuality.
Any job offer is subject to an individual’s Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas.