The Customer Business Manager I is a retailer‑facing leader who executes client strategies, drives brand growth, and accelerates results across assigned accounts. This role combines retailer expertise, insight‑driven selling, and strong execution to grow client performance faster than the category and strengthen long‑term partnerships.
ResponsibilitiesWhat You’ll Do as a Customer Business Manager I
Serve as the retailer expert for assigned accounts, owning day‑to‑day execution of client strategies and ensuring flawless in‑store and retailer-level execution across brands.
Grow client business faster than the category and the retailer, leveraging deep knowledge of retailer operations, merchandising strategies, and customer insights to drive measurable results. Build and sustain strong relationships with both Clients and Retail Customers within an assigned geographic region by understanding their goals, priorities, and success metrics.
Own execution of strategic business plans across all client brands, with accountability for sales, share growth, distribution, promotion, pricing, merchandising, and financial performance.
Develop and present targeted, insight‑driven client plans that strengthen brand activation, improve promotional effectiveness, and align with retailer strategies.
Act as the primary point of communication for Client Teams, providing proactive updates on performance, opportunities, risks, and progress against business plans.
Translate customer insights and retailer changes into clear, actionable recommendations, ensuring cross‑functional teams remain informed and aligned as true “customer experts.”
Consistently use CROSSVIEW as the standardized framework for business planning, communication, execution, and performance tracking—driving visibility, efficiency, and consistency internally and with clients.
Collaborate with Business Account Managers and internal partners to refine strategic plans and optimize execution based on retailer and category dynamics. Identify and sell incremental opportunities and services by analyzing client strategies, brand performance, and category trends to unlock additional growth.
Support and participate in CROSSVIEW Business Reviews, providing performance insights, recommendations, and client‑ready materials to drive informed decision‑making.
Deliver exceptional client satisfaction by owning execution strategies end‑to‑end and ensuring commitments are met with professionalism, urgency, and accountability.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum 2+ years of experience in the CPG industry preferred.
- 3+ years of sales experience, preferably in retail, CPG, or a customer-facing role.
- Experience working with retailers and managing client relationships.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong communication skills, including listening, presentation, written, and verbal communication.
- Insights-based, consultative selling and negotiation skills with the ability to influence outcomes.
- Intermediate category management knowledge, including understanding of the 4 Ps (Product, Price, Promotion, Placement).
- Solid business acumen, including understanding of market dynamics, industry trends, and financial performance.
- Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering high levels of client satisfaction.
- Ability to remain professional and effective in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
Technical Skills
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office, including:
- Excel (pivot tables and data analysis)
- PowerPoint (client-ready presentations)
- Word and Outlook (business communication)
Performance & Professional Expectations
- Demonstrated ability to execute sales plans on budget.
- Track record of driving existing client growth, including revenue and sales volume.
- Experience supporting new item introductions in alignment with client standards.
- Strong customer service orientation, with success measured through client satisfaction (e.g., NPS).
- Professional presence with the ability to earn retailer trust and respect.
Work Environment & Travel
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed.
- Ability to work in a hybrid office and field environment.
- Willingness to travel within the U.S. for customer, client, or company meetings as needed.
- Ability to transport and present sample products during account calls.
Language Skills
- English proficiency required.
- Bilingual skills may be required based on business needs.
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About UsSkills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 3+ years of sales experience
- 2+ years of experience in the CPG industry
- Experience working with retailers and managing client relationships
- Strong communication skills (listening, presentation, written, verbal)
- Insights-based consultative selling and negotiation skills
- Intermediate category management knowledge (4 Ps: Product, Price, Promotion, Placement)
- Solid business acumen and understanding of market dynamics and financial performance
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Excel (pivot tables, data analysis), PowerPoint, Word, Outlook
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel within the U.S. as needed
- Ability to work in a hybrid office and field environment and transport/present sample products
- English proficiency
- Bilingual skills (may be required based on business needs)
What We Do
Acosta is an integrated sales and marketing services provider that enables consumer packaged goods brands and retailers to win in the modern marketplace by delivering progressive solutions and exceptional service. With more than 90 years of experience, Acosta understands evolving consumer needs and helps its clients and customers stay a step ahead, fueling their accelerated performance. For more information, please visit www.acosta.com.
