Customer Business Manager

Customer Business ManagerThe Customer Business Manager drives profitable, sustainable growth across assigned retail customers by translating company and brand strategies into actionable customer plans. This role is responsible for managing account performance through forecasting, financial stewardship, business analysis, customer relationship management, and cross-functional execution. The position exists to identify growth opportunities, deliver data-driven recommendations, optimize investments and promotional activities, and ensure flawless execution that meets both customer needs and company objectives.

By serving as the day-to-day link between the customer and internal teams, the Customer Business Manager helps maximize sales, profitability, and long-term partnerships.This role serves a critical piece of the organization by managing part of our business with Target.At Kao, we offer amazing benefits that are available to you on your first day of employment (healthcare, 401(k) plus company match), 36 total days off (vacation + holidays + sick) and a base salary of $100,000 - 120,000 plus bonus.What you will do:P&L, Budget and/or Financial ManagementBuild and own customer forecastsEvaluate promo ROI, mix impact, and margin implicationsOwn day-to-day budget tracking for assigned accountsDecide how trade funds are allocated within guardrailsPrepare promo ROI assessments and margin impact viewsRecommend mix, or promo changesRecommend financially sound actions aligned to sales targetsPresent financial implications to internal partnersActive management of customer financial performanceIdentify and execute profitability improvement opportunitiesMake recommendations regarding pricing architecture, promotional cadence, and assortment profitabilityBusiness AnalysisIdentify root causes and implicationsTranslate insights into recommendationsPrioritize business issues and opportunities for deep divePrioritize requests by brand/trade/customerAnswer "what should we do differently?" questionsDiagnose root causes behind performance gaps or winsLead or support preparation of business assessment deliverablesApply best practices across multiple business planning scenariosAnalyze and document risks and benefitsIdentify business opportunities for growth and profitabilityCreate business cases and ROI analyses to support recommendationsAssess opportunity size, resource requirements, and expected outcomes.Planning & ExecutionBuild customer execution plans aligned to strategyCoordinate with Supply Chain, Trade, and MarketingAdjust execution details to meet customer requirementsShape sell-in recommendations on pricing, packs, and assortmentAdvocate for customer needs in innovation discussionsInfluence launch timingFlag customer-specific risks and requirementsEnsure alignment across in-store, omnichannel, and digital commerce activationsLead execution planning for digital commerce initiativesEnsure integration with broader Sales, Trade, Brand, and customer strategiesPartner cross-functionally to bring innovation and activation plans to marketRetailer ConnectionSet agendas and shape customer conversationsPush back and reframe buyer requests when neededInfluence decisions using data and strategyPartner with Brand and Trade to deliver compelling retailer storiesLead account teams in creating and evaluating retailer-focused executionsTailor value propositions to retailer priorities and stakeholdersConduct customer discovery to uncover needs, challenges, and decision criteriaNavigate objections and negotiationsBuild multi-threaded relationships across retailer organizationsDemonstrate stakeholder mapping and mutual action planningAdvocate for customer opportunities internally and externallySecure alignment and commitment around growth initiativesLeadership & DevelopmentImplement a learning mindset for themselves to stay current on trends, resource allocation & industry capabilities to close existing gaps & develop relevant capabilities in the future.Foster a positive, fact based, growth-minded, and collaborative team environment within team, department, and cross-functionally. Champion professional development and individual growth while driving performance, alignment, and engagement across the Kao organization.What you will need:Bachelors Degree required in Business Administration or a related field7+ years of relevant CPG related experience; knowledge of sales fundamentals, including assortment, pricing, merchandising, promotion, distribution, and category management principlesStrong Microsoft Office Usage (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook), Canva a plusIntermediate negotiation and selling skills, including the ability to address objections, communicate value propositions, and support customer business reviewsSelf-motivated with a growth mindset, strong attention to detail, and the ability to operate independently while exercising sound business judgmentStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable business recommendations and customer selling storiesStrong communication and executive presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders internally and externallyAt Kao, we believe the diversity of our teams strengthens our global mission. Here we trust and respect each other, collaborating in a friendly and inclusive work environment to achieve great results.What you can expect from us:An entrepreneurial environment where passionate and innovative teams come together.Respect, teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of how we work.A workplace culture that prioritizes employee wellbeingA broad range of benefits, including flexible working, competitive salaries, health and wellbeing offers, retirement, insurance options, and more…Learning and development opportunitiesYour voice matters here — we value entrepreneurial thinking and innovation from our teams.