Account Manager, Kroger

The Account Manager, Kroger is responsible for helping with the delivery of the profitable growth ambition for the account by fully leveraging all capabilities, assets and functions within the organization and by building and maintaining strong retailer relationships to proactively pursue category expansive opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain nominated categories and relationships at Kroger while supporting the overall business.
• Support the management of the broker agency partners in delivering defined objectives.
• In conjunction with the Team lead Kroger, develop business plans and strategies to drive category growth and sales at Kroger

• Support the Team Lead Walgreens in managing the customer P&L, growing Net Sales and assisting in the generation of accurate monthly sales forecasts.
• Support the Account business and financial performance by driving volume growth, share, revenue, and ROI improvements.

• Analyze and drive distribution, shelving, pricing and promotion strategy to optimize sales performance and trade spend (TTC) efficiency.
• Development of the Account Brand strategy and pursue implementation by identifying and capturing new and/or emerging opportunities for account penetration.
• Cross-functional, systematic review of account plans and performance. Tailoring of company assets to meet/exceed account requirements and growth targets. Monitor account/customer performance issues and highlight issues as they occur.
• Ensure the ongoing management of the Kantar and KAP Financial Forecast Planning tool reflects the current business view incl new lines, reviewing volume forecast assumptions, up to date TTC investment etc
• Optimize overall account business performance via joint strategic decision-making, broaden and deepen account relationships, and leverage resources.

• Aid in development and management of Joint Business Plans which includes monthly updates to key account personnel and Director
• Development and analysis of account specific, customized POS reports, category management reports, new item reports, relevant analyses and shopper insights which lead to recommendations for account growth.
• Communicate Internal Account POS Sales update weekly and monthly with driver and drags on business with relevant supplemental analysis to support.
• Management of Promotion submission, tracking, post-promo evaluation and effectiveness leading to recommendations to enhance the ongoing business plan.
• Drive executional excellence by managing Suncare DSD business for account, and Suncare returns.
• Take ownership of all ongoing display details and plans for on time development and delivery.
• Manage New Item details and submissions, as well as updating any current item changes with Account.
• Pursue audit and overdue claims accuracy and repayment in a timely manner by researching backup and communicating directly with auditor
• Utilize fact based selling to create quality presentations for account meetings, monthly business updates and Business Line Reviews which lead to expanded opportunities across Product, Placement, Pricing & Promotions.
• Delivery of Customer Insights-based recommendations that drive: Customer acceptance of BDF new items, increase in distribution of existing BDF items, agreement to carry BDF recommended category assortment and achievement of volume/profit/share goals
• Maintenance of a strong voice for the Account Team at BDF HQ by being a vocal advocate for Kroger needs during interactions with cross-functional internal teams

• 2-5 years required, CPG sales/account management experience preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of account specific systems.
• Strong knowledge of CPG industry and the Kroger account.
• Strong use of IRI or Nielsen required.
• Excellent computer literacy skills, including Excel, Word & Powerpoint
• Negotiation skills.
• Strong financial acumen and forecast management.
• Excellent analytical & business report writing skills.
• Exceptional communication skills, with ability to present, sell-in ideas.
• BS Degree in Business or related field. MBA preferred.
• Travel required (approximately 20-30%) to customers, customer events, store visits, industry events, BDF Stamford headquarter meetings etc.