Senior Customer Business Manager

Summary

The Sr Customer Business Manager (Sr CBM) is responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to drive sales growth, profitability, and long-term partnerships with assignment of the Food Service Channel and Distributors. This role requires a deep understanding of the food manufacturing industry, retail dynamics, and customer needs. The Sr CBM will serve as the primary liaison between Novus Foods and customer accounts as well as brokers, ensuring alignment on goals, innovation, and execution.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and manage relationships with assigned customer accounts (e.g., Food Service, Distributors etc.).
• Lead annual joint business planning and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support customer strategies.
• Identify opportunities for new product placement, distribution gains, promotional activity, and category growth.
• Analyze customer performance, market trends, and competitive activity to inform strategic decision-making.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, promotional funding, and trade spend to meet revenue and margin goals.
• Collaborate with internal teams including Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, and R&D to ensure customer alignment and execution.
• Provide accurate forecasts and sales reporting to support production planning and company objectives.
• Represent Novus Foods at customer meetings, trade shows, and industry events.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field.
• 10 years of experience with 5+ years of experience in key account management or sales within the food, beverage, or CPG industry.
• Proven success managing Food Service channel customers and distributors.
• Strong understanding of category management, syndicated data, and distributor network.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience with refrigerated/perimeter-of-the-store products.
• Familiarity with private label and branded food categories.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• MBA or additional certifications in sales or marketing are a plus.

Competencies/ Skills

• Presentations Skills
• Proven Leadership Skills
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving/Analytical
• Organizational Skills
• Communications Proficiency (to include written, verbal and negotiation)
• Time Management (manage priorities and workflow)

This position required up to 30% domestic travel.