Associate Sales Account Manager & Category Planning Specialist

Position Summary:
Accountable for working with internal sales teams, Sales and Operations Planning and direct retail customers to provide detailed sales forecasts with a focus on improving customer forecast accuracy and ensuring proper and timely replenishment of inventory.

Associate Sales Account Manager & Customer Planning Specialist will also be accountable for interface internally cross functionally and with external retail partners. ASAM&CPS will create and maintain forecast models for their assigned customers and are responsible for: Forecasting (base item forecasting, promo forecasting, and event planning) Inventory analysis and improvement Ad hoc sales analysis, recap and summary to other Key Account Managers Sales meeting preparation including analysis, documentation and aggregation Sales presentations, inclusive of retail Buyer and Analyst level communication/contacts. Replenishment analysis to identify opportunities for greater efficiency, fill rate improvement and general account maintenance. Service level analysis and improvement Utilization of internal shipment and POS data to create and analyze reports on sales trends, sales history, new item performance, inventory levels, new item introductions, and post promotion analysis.

Will be required to utilize and be proficient in assigned external proprietary systems upon approved access at select retailers, to leverage such data as to aid in account analysis. This will include Walmart Retail Link and other key account systems.

This individual will support numeric/financial inputs, continuous advancement and ongoing maintenance of multiple customer forecasts within the Sales & Operations Planning process.

Additionally the ASAM&CPS will perform forecast accuracy analysis to identify areas of opportunity, areas of concern, or needed focus within the operating companies.

Also, accountable to support collaboration in our supply chain planning processes – leading to achievement of our strategic targets on inventory and delivery performance.

The incumbent is also accountable for customer service level analytics, action plans and support to drive improvements with assigned accounts.

Responsibilities:
Primary Responsibilities: Support the management and maintenance of multiple key account forecasts. Work in tandem with KAM’s, Leadership, S&OP, Buyer Partners and external analysts to facilitate timely and actionable quarterly customer level forecast generation Compile and analyze historical data, market trends, promotions, and identify opportunities that drive improvement within the forecast process. Daily interaction with marketing, sales and S&OP channel leaders. Study quarterly, full year and seasonal promotional trends by customer and make recommendations for augmented sales or retail pull through though out the full demand planning process. Supports, moderates and synchronizes new product introductions with customers Evaluates internal and external targets and works in support of strategies of retail customers looking to achieve mutual goals and sell through thresholds Collaborate closely with internal sales team members & external decision makers and influencers at customer partner accounts. Will be required to work collaboratively to support, develop and recommend strategies for category growth. Continual monitoring of results versus plan, and providing forecasts and changes in strategy based on learning’s Utilize metrics and monitor tools to analyze forecast performance and drive year on year improvements in accuracy through continued focus on process improvements (customer level forecasting, demand sensing and shaping techniques, etc.). Collaborate and problem-solve cross-functionally with internal and external business partners Accountable for understanding customer vendor metrics and driving improvements for the same within ROC Incumbent will identify root cause challenges and support execution of recommended corrective actions Track and report performance, sales and POS metrics as well as prepare customer facing and executive-level presentations and materials

Qualifications:
Skills and Education Required: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. BA/BS or Associate college degree or its equivalent in relevant area This candidate will have a minimum of two years of experience in one or more of the disciplines outlined forth including Supply Chain, Category Management, Category Analysis, Forecasting, Replenishment, Operations, and/or Procurement is required. This candidate must have experience with exposure to Walmart or similar customers. This candidate will be proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically with Microsoft Excel. Experience with Six Sigma/Process Excellence Tools, Training, and/or Certification is preferred. Planning experience and experience utilizing Demand Management software (SAP, John Galt, Manugistics, I2, etc.) is highly preferred. Distribution, Transportation, Category Management, Manufacturing, Customer Service, Planning and/or Sales experience is preferred. Demonstrated leadership, facilitation and project management experience is required. Some people leadership is preferred and team exposure in a prior position is required. An ability to work in a self directed format and maintain and execute to outlined peramiters is critical to this position The designate is comfortable being measured and is capable of driving improvements in assigned metrics. The ability to communicate and interact effectively across many internal departments is required. This candidate will have the ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects and priorities effectively. This candidate may be required to travel up to 25% domestically. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations APICS or other Forecasting/Planning Certification preferred.