Senior Customer Development Manager (Military Channel)
At Nestlé Health Science, we believe that nutrition, science, and wellness must merge, not collide. Here, we embrace the intrinsic connections of these three pillars, harnessing their collective strength to empower healthier lives. Our broad product portfolio includes renowned brands like Garden of Life®, Nature's Bounty®, Vital Proteins®, Orgain®, Nuun®, BOOST®, Carnation Breakfast Essentials®, Peptamen®, Compleat Organic Blends®, and more. We also have extensive pharmaceutical expertise, offering innovative medicines that aim to prevent, manage, and treat gastrointestinal and metabolic-related diseases.
At Nestlé Health Science, we bring our best for better lives. Our people are challenged to bring fresh, diverse views and make bold moves to empower healthier lives through nutrition. We know brilliant ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. Here we embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and collaborate with teams that champion focused and forward thinking. We are committed to fostering professional growth and celebrating the achievements of our people along the way. We offer dynamic career paths, robust development, opportunities to learn from talented colleagues around the globe, and benefits that support physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing.
Join us to innovate for impact and reimagine the future of health and nutrition for patients and consumers.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Senior Customer Development Manager is responsible for the functional management, leadership, and execution of all sales related activities for Military & Government Customers. The individual will support the team with Nestle’s Co. systems (Osprey) and with customers systems.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Develop strategic and winning relationships throughout the retailer
* Manage government and semi-government customers (DeCA, AAFES, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard), including compliance with customer-specific policies, contracts, and operating procedures
* Partner with military-specific brokers and distributors (e.g., EURPAC, regional DSD/warehouse partners) to ensure execution, forecasting accuracy, and service levels
* High focus on exceeding performance goals via off-shelf display, distribution gains, etc
* Establish strong working relationship with all internal teams including Customer Strategy, Finance, and Customer Service
* Detailed understanding of the Customers go-to-market model including Category Management strategy including government procurement processes, bid structures, and item authorization cycles
* Execute our brand and category growth strategy that align with the customer
* Identify new opportunities for growth; develop and implement strategic growth plan aligned with corporate goals
* Educate our business partners on our products, retail goals, and measurement of success
* Deliver customer presentations that demonstrate innovation, shelf positioning, promotions, communicate pricing, etc
* Manage daily business in partnership with customers, including: UPC product/item setup, maintenance, logistics and inventory management
* Responsible for Trade Investment Management (Osprey) system inputs, trade fund management, direct sales forecasting and projection activities for the company
* Strong Trade management/budget processing and an efficiency that focus on a strong ROI
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
* Bachelor's Degree in business or related field preferred
* 7 years sales experience strongly preferred but not required. Minimum 2 years managing strategic Military/Government customers highly preferred
* Broker management experience and military/government experience is required
* Understanding of DeCA/AAFES operating models, distributors, and compliance requirements
* Experience in consumer goods and Vitamins and supplements is highly preferred
* Prior experience using syndicated data to determine customer needs and establish the most effective pricing and promotional activities that will increase sales and market share for the company and its customers
* Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.)
SKILLS
* Knowledge regarding Project Management, and experience with setting up and managing projects in a complex, fast-moving environment
* Knowledge regarding relationship management, experience and mindset to work with partners in building initiatives that deliver on goals
* Ability to manage multiple priorities and multiple brands/categories
* High level of organizational skills, good written and oral communication skills
* Comfort working through brokers, distributors, and indirect selling models
* Ability to manage complex, multi-entity brand portfolios and funding structures
* Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
* Must be able to multi-task and follow-up when responses are needed
* Deep understanding of the assigned Customer and how to develop demand creation plans
* The ability to utilize creativity and push beyond the obvious, comfortable going into “unchartered” territory in setting out recommendations and goals
* Problem solver with a solutions oriented mindset
* Must be a dynamic leader who can push past obstacles and overcome objections
* Must be an articulate communicator who can quickly synthesize data
* P&L management and strong financial acumen
It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator:.
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