VP, Account Development

Job Description

At NIQ, we deliver the most complete and clear understanding of consumer buying behavior that reveals new pathways to growth. The VP, Account Development will own and lead our commercial and service relationship with a key client in Chicago, IL. This role involves developing strategic plans, driving data‑driven merchandising strategies, and leveraging complex analytics to generate incremental sales and profits for clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Execution
  • Develop comprehensive joint business plans with client executives and internal NIQ leadership.
  • Develop long‑term (3–5 year) and annual strategic plans and deliverables inclusive of resourcing, performance outcomes, solution enhancements and transformation.
  • Create phased roadmaps of key activities, deliverables and results.
  • Lead the implementation and execution of analytical recommendations within client insights & merchandising teams.
• Client Relationship Management
  • Act as the primary client services lead with senior client stakeholders.
  • Help the client understand evolving market dynamics by ensuring they receive proactive, relevant and high‑quality thought leadership on a regular cadence.
  • Establish and manage deliverables with Chief Merchandising Officer, SVP Merchandising, Category VPs and Directors, and Category Management, Pricing, Promotion, and Assortment Teams.
  • Grow client relationships at the executive level, ensuring client satisfaction, contract renewal and long‑term growth.
• Analytics and Insights
  • Coach and oversee the team’s delivery of high‑quality insights and analysis that accurately and effectively solve client problems.
  • Ensure the client and the account team fully utilize NIQ’s products to drive value‑added decisions. Ensure training opportunities are aligned.
  • Oversee the immediate resolution of data discrepancies, operational issues and software availability issues with urgency.
• Project Management
  • Oversee multiple priorities, deadlines and projects across the account team and contracted deliverables.
  • Execute the delivery of our solutions, ensuring timely outcomes and client satisfaction.
  • Grow and develop with a team responsible for delivering against client commitments.
  • Support initiatives that create efficient and effective practices that are consistent around the globe.
  • Liaison across client’s organization to establish ways of working.
• Innovation and Development
  • Collaborate with internal NIQ experts to develop relevant and effective solutions to the client’s growth needs by identifying opportunities to develop new capabilities and approaches.
  • Stay current with industry trends and educate clients on innovative merchandising and collaboration best practices.
  • Support thought leadership through internal learning, knowledge‑sharing and development.
• Team Leadership and Development
  • Be the account leader, leading all NIQ associates on the account team to make a positive impact for the client in every interaction. Coach team members to become extraordinary client partners.
  • Set career paths and resource development structures to maintain and scale a highly engaged team, mentor and coach associates to align with the company’s vision and strategy.
  • Drive extraordinary team engagement that maximizes associate performance and retention.
  • Determine the optimal team structure and roles to best deliver products and services.
  • Aid in the recruitment, training and development of the consulting and services team.
• Business Development
  • Play a supporting role in business development for prospective clients.
  • Support the development of partnership deliverables, client engagement team, statements of work and joint operation and engagement models for contract execution and delivery.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in Retail, CPG, Merchandising or Professional Service.
• Advanced degrees: MBA, Finance, Economics, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics preferred.
• Direct experience with customer insights, category management, retail collaboration and executive client leadership required.
• Effective in executive‑level communications, influencing and engagement.
• Excellent awareness of market conditions and client business environment.
• Experience leading teams and ability to coach others in data analysis.
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated strength in maintaining positive client relationships in complex situations and resolving client issues.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft applications (Excel, PowerPoint, MSD).
• Strong sense of urgency and accountability to drive client outcomes.
• Team leadership, cross‑functional people management, training and development experience required.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary range: $141,500 – $175,000 plus potential sales‑based incentive or performance‑based bonus.
• Flexible working environment.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Industry‑leading parental leave.
• Life insurance, education support and other benefits.
• Volunteer time off, LinkedIn Learning, Employee‑Assistance‑Program (EAP).

Additional Information

This role is funded and may be eligible for a sales‑based incentive or performance‑based bonus. The compensation range is $141,500 – $175,000. The company offers a flexible working environment, health insurance, parental leave, life insurance, education support and other benefits.

EEO Statement

NIQ is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the diverse communities and markets we serve. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. NIQ invites individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact.