Sales Strategy & Planning Manager

Position Summary/Objective: The Sales Strategy & Planning Manager supports the communication linkage between headquarters and field sales. They will partner with the Director of Sales Planning & Strategy (DSPS) as well as brand marketing, trade marketing, operations, category management, finance, field sales and retail partners to understand needs and drive execution on channel marketing initiatives for the US Business. The Sales Strategy & Planning Manager must have a solid understanding of each HQ cross-functional role and how to directly work with them to support the field sales teams. They will partner with brand marketing, trade marketing, operations, category management, finance, field sales and retail partners to understand needs and drive alignment and execution on channel sales & marketing initiatives. This role is in a fast-paced, creative environment; it offers an opportunity to be part of building a rapidly growing business, while actively contributing towards strategy and execution. This role is on the US Commercial team, reporting directly to the Director, Sales Planning & Strategy, US.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates and upholds Riverside’s Core Values; Assists with Annual Sales Planning Process for Field Sales; Helps to support the Director of SPSS in development, communication, and execution of cross-functional Annual Planning materials (Marketing, Innovation, Trade, Category Management, Operations, Finance); Analyzes data to identify trends and opportunities, with a particular focus on sales driven metrics such as distribution, shelving, merchandising & pricing; Works with HQ cross-functional team and field sales to drive profitable growth on existing customers and identifies opportunities with new customers; Has solid understanding of trade and category management to assess risks and opportunities across US market; Helps develop category objectives and priorities and develops programs/execution tactics to achieve objectives and monitors results with post-event recap; Conducts weekly connect calls with all Tier 1 Customer teams and bi-weekly calls with Tier 2’s; Coordinates and leads Monthly Sales Update share-out to the US Sales Team and Leadership; Provides cross-functional team with sales execution expertise as part of the new item commercialization process; Develops and maintains trackers to support key business initiatives for US Sales team – innovation, category review timing, display forecasting, special packs, etc.; Owns maintenance of SharePoint “Life Preserver” Site including updating sell decks, spec sheets, product images, etc. in advance of innovation launches; Coordinates and manages Retail Tools for sales team (ie, IRCs, POS, corrugate display, etc.); Works closely with marketing and category management partners to ensure category stories and new item sell stories are created with a customer lens; Keeps the work atmosphere FUN by keeping it light and welcoming; Other responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

Post-secondary education in a related field (or equivalent education and experience); 3-5 years related work experience; Fundamental understanding of trade management and category management principles; Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; High energy, adaptable, self-starter; Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; Independent problem solver with good judgement; Strong ability to work under pressure to meet tight timelines; Strong attention to detail and ability to work with a high degree of accuracy; Team player with a positive attitude; Excellent planning, organizing, multitasking and time management skills; Strong in problem analysis, decision making, and solution oriented; Proficient computer knowledge: Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook

Nice to have

CPG experience

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits program (Riverside covers costs); RRSP matching or 401k matching; Profit Sharing Plan; Employee-Led Resource Groups (mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rights); Riverside University program; Tuition Reimbursement Program; Open concept work environment