Manager, Channel Strategy & Development - Impulse Channels

Based in Chicago and reporting to the Sr. Director of Channel Marketing & Sales Support for the Out-of-Home Channel, the Impulse Channel Strategy & Development Manager leads the development and execution of the channel strategy for the Convenience, Dollar, Drug and Mobile Vending business segments. Leads key customer development planning by providing excellence in short-term and long-term plans for our strategic accounts. Develops and manages Marketing and Sales support within the channel. 

Responsibilities Include: 

• Lead overall development of channel strategy, business plans, including sales, profit, and budget forecasts, as well as product, promotional, pricing, distribution and market development strategies and tactics. 
• Connect the field sales team (voice of customer) with brand marketing teams and other internal cross-functional support teams, as well as driving internal business needs out to field sales team in working with customers.
• Collaborate with sales, brand marketing and other cross-functional resources to lead development and execution of key initiative selling materials and tools to support successful customer presentations by the Impulse sales team.
• Mine and leverage syndicated data and customer-specific insights to collaborate with internal resources and sales leads to develop impactful large-opportunity customer presentations.  Accompany sales team to large opportunity sales calls, co-present and provide corporate-level presence, marketing expertise and support.
• Engage with the sales team and customers to evaluate and increase the effectiveness of new products and promotion plans. Remain informed of trends and potential adjustments needed for marketing programs. Gather intelligence on competitor pricing, products, marketing and distribution.
• Develop and execute revenue generating shopper marketing programs and activities that build brand equity with distributors, accounts and operators to drive engagement and purchases.
• Lead key customer development planning by providing excellence in short-term and long-term plans for our strategic accounts. Partner with Category Management, Consumer Insights and Finance teams to create strategic recommendations and outline supporting processes, tools and resources for effective plan implementation. 
• Partner proactively with internal functions to propose or evaluate new product opportunities based on alignment with overall business goals and opportunities to develop the channel innovation pipeline for 1-3-5 year plans. Assist in the innovation and commercialization process by coordinating concept testing, providing sales estimates and presenting to the leadership team. 
• Own and effectively manage the channel marketing budget to develop unique multi-segment sales strategies, sales materials, distributor and operator shopper marketing programs by leveraging strategic thinking, creativity, and customer insights in line with channel business objectives. 

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate industry experience, MBA preferred.
• Minimum 5-7 years marketing experience in Impulse, Retail, or similar food distribution channels.
• Ability to develop and implement sales strategies within channels to maximize revenue and meet sales goals.
• Experience in effectively leading a cross-functional team and drive results. 
• High level of familiarity with syndicated data sources and the ability to independently mine data / consumer insights to create compelling selling stories. 
• Strong systems skills related to analyzing sales data, forecasting, and trade management systems is a plus.
• Excellent critical thinking, decision making and analytical skills.
• Collaborative problem-solving skills. Relationship management and interpersonal skills. 
• Clear and effective written communication and presentation skills in both individual and group settings.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. 

The base pay range for this position is $115,766 to $162,073 annually.  Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law.  This pay range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

Wells Enterprises is an EEO/AA employer M/F/Vet/Dis

Wells Enterprises, Inc. is the largest privately held ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1913 by Fred H. Wells and run by the Wells family for generations, the company is an independent operating company of the Ferrero Group, one of the global leaders in sweet, packaged foods. 

Wells produces more than 200 million gallons of ice cream per year and distributes