Business Manager - Portland, OR

Who We Are  

At C.A. Carlin, we take brands to new heights. We are one of the leading privately held sales agencies in the industry. Thanks to nimble growth and associations with our operating partners, C.A. Fortune and C.A. Ferolie, we have built brand value that is unlike any other in the CPG industry.  

What We Do  

Since our start in 1962, we have built industry relationships on the foundation of trust and action. We turn information into insight. We convert insight into programs. We drive programs that consistently deliver results to our clients, on their timeline.  

We have more than 300 associates and multiple offices throughout the country. We represent top brands in many categories such as confection, snack, grocery, beverage, frozen, dairy etc. 

Overview of the Role 

• The Business Manager develops strategic business plans that integrate client goals, analytics, and sales planning. The Business Manager will be familiar with Stratum, IRI, marketing and analytic initiatives focusing on Kroger’s Customer 1st strategies.  This role will be an integral part of building, developing, and maintaining a credible, long term role with our clients and our retail partner, Fred Meyer.  
• Location: Remote - must be local to Portland, OR
• Salary range $80,000 - $120,000 depending on experience, qualifications and skills

What You’ll Do at C.A. Carlin 

• Direct the activities of major lines as it relates to business and sales planning initiatives for our customers and The Kroger Company. 
• Understand the analytics involved in complex data sets and how they integrate all sales technology tools to create marketing presentations via Nielsen and Market 6 data (insights to action) for principals represented by Carlin Group Cincinnati across the Kroger enterprise 
• Represent the Sales department in new principal interviews, business reviews, top-to-tops    and new item appointments, taking into consideration client initiatives. 
• Develop short term and long-term strategic business plans that integrate business goals, utilizing analytics and sales planning. 
• Trade Promotion Management via Kroger TradePoint system and deduction management 
• Have professional relationship with the category managers at all levels and assist them in their category management initiative, needs and processes. 
• Have a good understanding of consumer purchase/behavioral data and working knowledge of Stratum and IRI and how this data source integrates with Kroger POS (Market 6) data 
• Collaborate with Category Development Managers/Shopper Insights and principals in the design, implementation, and evaluation of promotional programs. 
• Routinely conducts store audits to view merchandising and inventory requirements in assigned categories.   

What You Should Bring to the Table 

• Must have a bachelor’s degree and minimum of 4 years’ experience in marketing, sales and/or comparable background in the industry (manufacturer, broker, supplier, or agency) with at least 2 years as a Business Manager. 
• Must have knowledge and understand the process involved in data analysis.  
• Must have high degree of proficiency in Windows and related software applications to include Excel, Word, Power Point, and database management. 
• Experience calling on Kroger and Fred Meyer.
• Knowledge of Nielsen or IRI Household Panel and Stratum 
• Strong project management experience, planning competencies, excellent presentation,  
• written and oral skills 
• Innovative, solution-oriented mindset with problem solving and strategic thinking skills. 
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision. 
• Strong communication skills are required to express the analytic tools used to various levels within the organization, the customer, and principals. 
• In-depth knowledge of the consumer goods industry including class of trade, customers, category, competitive products, and industry trends. 
• Must be able to effectively interact and communicate with peers, sales management, senior management – customer interface experience is a “must.” 
• Maintains accurate projections for budgeting.
• Must be able to work effectively in a team environment. 

Perks 

• 16 days of PTO 
• 11 paid company holidays per year 
• 2 paid volunteer days per year 
• Bonus eligible 
• 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender) 
• Medical, dental, and vision 
• Paid company life insurance 
• 401k with company match 
• Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day) 

Come As You Are 

C.A. is committed to making our company more inclusive. Diversity fuels our innovation and better connects us to our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. Based on research, we know that women and other marginalized groups tend to apply to roles only when their experience perfectly matches the job description. That said, we encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of qualifications, especially if this role aligns with your career trajectory.