Customer Planning Lead - UNFI

Job Description
The Customer Planning Lead (CPL) role is critical to the overall success of the UNFI customer team serving as the lead over the development of the annual strategic business plan along with the results tied to field execution. The position is also responsible for the end-to-end P&L management inclusive of forecast accuracy and trade management.
A cross-functional role, the CPL is the single point of accountability for our largest Business Unit including supporting portfolio items such as Heinz, Mac & Cheese, Coffee, Kraft, & Away from Home.
Primary Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

• Drives efficient and effective base and merchandising programs to deliver the most optimal return on investment for Kraft Heinz and the customer and within budget
• Communicates and influences implementation of business plans to enable superior execution across the team and with customer
• Develops, tracks, analyzes and evaluates field business plan results based on Business Unit, customer strategies/initiatives and external factors
• Tailors programs consistent with customer strategies to achieve outstanding results while aligning to Business Unit priorities and objectives
• Builds and maintains Kraft Heinz business through proven results measured by profitability achievement, share gains, revenue targets, trade forecasting, new and core item introductions/distribution
• Provides on-going updates to management on business trends, competitive activity, customer specific strategy changes, key marketplace updates and other business related activities
• Understands and uses data & insights to positively impact business results and to address areas of opportunity
• Leverages available resources and scale to elevate executional excellence across cross-functional business planning in Category Leadership, Supply Chain, Finance and Shopper Marketing
• Significant contributor for business reviews and customer meetings, including annual category reviews
• Develops others by mentoring/coaching, sharing standard methodologies and collaborating on business growth opportunities to deliver against targets
• Harnesses the power of diversity - thinking, background, experience

Qualifications:

• Proven CPG experience inclusive of owning a P&L and forecast
• Understanding of the sales landscape ideally with experience in building customer relationships
• Effective communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills
• Strong financial competence - understanding of profit and revenue drivers and analysis with a proficiency in deploying trade
• Drive for results and winning as a team

Work Environment & Schedule
This position is considered a Hybrid office environment with limited travel or visits to external locations; offices are open workspaces Additionally, this role requires ability to work a salaried, exempt schedule to best execute against customer and internal expectations.
Physical demands include but not limited to

• Willingness to drive and/or travel as needed
• Operate a computer and view screens for ~100% of work schedule

Location(s)
Minneapolis Sales
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact [email protected] .