CSI Specialist - Knoxville, TN area
Summary
Supports achievement of brand goals and successful execution of brand strategies through use of syndicated data and consumer information in development of national, regional, and account-specific plans.
Provides direction and leadership on distribution, shelving, promotional merchandising, and pricing through use of syndicated data and consumer insights.
Leverages in-depth knowledge of both retailer, shopper, and corporate strategies to inform brand team decisions, develop brand goals, execute plans in partnership with Sales and broker, and lead assessment of performance.
Leads strategic category management initiatives both internally and with key retailers in conjunction with broker support personnel.
Provides ongoing education to all stakeholders to ensure appropriate use of data and active application of insights. Act as a thought leader in the organization related to category, retailer, and shopper behavior insights.
Major Position Responsibilities
It is an essential requirement of the job that the employee have the ability to function in a feedback-rich, team-based environment.
Employees must possess good interpersonal skills and be compatible with co-workers.
ESSENTIAL
40% Retail Sales Engagement:
Position us as category experts through the development and delivery of value-added category information and shopper insights to retailers (directly and through Sales/brokers)
Build strategic relationships with key retailers through leading category management initiatives and serving in category captain/advisor/validator roles
Provide strategic input and analytical support to Sales teams in development and achievement of brand goals at our retailer partners
Leverage insights from all available syndicated and proprietary data to develop effective tactics for distribution, shelving, merchandising, and pricing
25% Brand/Innovation Team Engagement:
As a core member of cross-functional brand/innovation team, provide insights into retailer, competitor, and category dynamics to inform the development of strategies for distribution, shelving, promotional merchandising, and pricing
Provide leadership on teams related to performance against strategies through the utilization of all available data sources
25% Category Management Leadership and Education:
Leadership of strategic category management initiatives internally (i.e. shelf initiative, portfolio analysis)
Enable broad data-driven decision-making through the education/training of internal personnel and sales teams on proper use and interpretation of all available syndicated data sources
Train broker personnel on category management best practices and shopper insights available from scan, panel, loyalty card, and custom research data and tools
10% Professional Development:
Identify and participate in professional development opportunities including on-the-job coaching and training, special projects, business teams, Company University courses, corporate training programs, industry seminars and conferences.
SUPPLEMENTAL
Travel: up to 25%
Internal Customers:
Support of Retail Sales and Brand / Innovation Teams
Collaborate with Marketing, Market Research, Trade Marketing, and Information Services
External Customers:
Support of Retailers; Broker Business Intelligence, Shelf Technology, and Business Managers
Collaborate with Syndicated Data Suppliers
Qualifications
Degrees
Bachelors degree required; Masters in business or market research a plus
Years of Experience
2 minimum years experience in Consumer Packaged Goods and/or Retail Grocery in relevant areas such as Category Management, Sales, Sales Planning, Trade Marketing and Market Research. Highly analytical roles in other industries are acceptable too.
Certifications/Licenses
Specialized Skills
Advanced to Expert analytical skills with ability to identify business issues, form hypotheses, and apply relevant data (syndicated scan/panel, loyalty card, custom studies, & shipment/financial data) to support conclusions and develop strategic insights
Ability to translate strategic insights into fact-based plans/presentations for internal and external retailers
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Excel and Powerpoint) is required; Nielsen/ IRI experience is beneficial
Demonstrated ability to work with data in database and/or spreadsheet environment experience with retailer data sources and related software is beneficial
Ability to manage indirect reports from our broker Business Intelligence and Shelf Technology departments
Must be able to prioritize multiple tasks/projects while delivering results and meeting deadlines
Workplace Conditions
Ability to work 40 hours per week and as needed.
Office
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, fax machines, etc.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
NAM - FS / Ingredients - Remote
Primary Purpose:
We are seeking a results-driven National Account Sales Manager to lead strategic growth across national foodservice chains and ingredient customers. This role will focus on building and managing high-impact relationships with key accounts that value quality, innovation, and partnership. The ideal candidate will bring a disciplined, insights-driven approach to selling, with a passion for premium food solutions and a deep understanding of the food service and ingredient landscape.
Responsibilities:
Own and grow a portfolio of national foodservice and ingredient accounts
Develop and execute strategic account plans aligned with customer goals and company objectives
Lead contract negotiations, pricing strategy, and promotional planning
Serve as a trusted advisor and value-added solution provider across the customer's supply chain
Facilitate innovation sessions and product ideation in collaboration with culinary and R&D teams
Partner with internal stakeholders (e.g., Marketing, Operations, Finance) to ensure seamless execution and alignment
Leverage internal resources to support customer needs and drive process improvements
Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and customer insights to inform strategy
Identify new business opportunities and contribute to the development of the sales pipeline
Product focus on expanding and growing product lines with branded products and imported products
Create and maintain actionable database for customer contact/sand opportunity history and selling activities (Salesforce.com/Lightning)
Coordinate and manage trade show participation as necessary
Qualifications - Education, Qualities and Skills Required:
BS/BA required in a relevant field such as marketing or business administration.
Cheese/Dairy experience or related commodities
5+ years sales experience in the cheese/dairy or food industry; food service and ingredient experience a plus
Proven track record to grow business and an ability to handle financial dealings with large customer accounts
Deep understanding of foodservice distribution, menu development, and supply chain dynamics
Passion for premium food products and culinary innovation
Comfortable in fast paced entrepreneurial environment
Highly curious/motivated for learning
Excellent listening, negotiation and presentation skills
Knowledge of how to develop client-focused, differentiated and achievable solutions
Understanding of how to position products against competitors
Packaging Engineer Manager - Elgin, IL
Primary Purpose:
The Packaging Engineering Manager will lead a team to design, develop, and optimize packaging solutions, balance product protection, user experience, cost, and sustainability. Key responsibilities for this position include managing packaging projects from concept to commercialization, collaborating with cross-functional teams, sourcing materials and suppliers, ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting sustainability initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities:
Manage and mentor a packaging engineer, providing guidance, performance feedback, and fostering a collaborative environment.
Develop strategic plans and execute innovative packaging solutions that meet product requirements, considering factors like cost, safety, and environmental impact.
Lead and conduct tests/line trials on packaging concepts to ensure packaging can withstand various conditions such as temperature changes, transportation, and storage.
Oversee the design and development of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging for new and existing products, considering factors like product integrity, sustainability, user experience, and brand alignment.
Conduct packaging performance tests and identify areas of improvements for packaging solutions.
Analyze and select appropriate materials for packaging based on durability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
Work closely with project management, sustainability, innovation, engineering, marketing, regulatory and operation teams to understand and meet packaging needs.
Ensure integrity of packaging is maintained through production, transportation, storage, and end users.
Partner with purchasing and production departments to determine costs and feasibility of producing proposed packaging.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key packaging suppliers to leverage their knowledge, capabilities, and stay updated on industry developments.
Education, Qualities and Skills Required:
Bachelors degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science or other related field
6-10+ years of experience in packaging engineering
Food industry experience preferred
CAPES certification is a plus
Demonstrated experience of packaging development process (materials knowledge, performance testing, critical factors to consider in design, specification determination, etc.)
Strong knowledge of materials science, including plastics, film, PET, corrugated and paper
TOPS or other software solutions for packaging, palletization and loading of trucks/containers
Proficiency with CAD drawings and programs
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to motivate, guide, and develop a team.
Experience managing vendor relationships
Strong collaboration, problem solving and analytical skills, in addition to a innovate, creative thinker
Project management skills able to move projects forward, manage timelines/deadlines, engage the right resources, etc.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Physical Requirements:
This position will involve work in both an office and plant setting to include standing/sitting for extended periods of time, safely walking to, from and around the plant on even walking surfaces, climbing stairs and being exposed to plant equipment and noise. This role will be exposed to temperatures between 33-100 degrees Fahrenheit and PPE is required in certain areas.
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