Introduction to arenaflex and the Industry
arenaflex is a leading player in the consumer-packaged goods industry, renowned for its iconic and innovative brands that have been refreshing the world for over a century. With a diverse portfolio of over 250 products, including some of the most popular brands globally, arenaflex is committed to making a difference in the lives of its customers, employees, and the communities it serves. As a Director, Customer Growth and Strategic Partnerships at arenaflex, you will be at the forefront of developing and managing marketing strategies and solutions that drive value, increase beverage incidence, and profitability for one of our key customers.
Job Description Summary
The Director, Customer Growth and Strategic Partnerships will play a critical role in the annual joint business planning process, development of growth strategies, innovation, and digital programming. This position requires a highly strategic, collaborative, innovative, and results-driven marketing leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, digital mindset, and exceptional communication skills. As a key member of the arenaflex team, you will manage relationships with brands, R&D, commercialization, assets, and other internal and external constituents to support customer programming throughout the year.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of total beverage marketing strategies in collaboration with the customer strategy to drive revenue-enhancing concept development and fully leverage national marketing initiatives with customers.
- Develop long-term customer relationships and have full ownership of senior-level contact relationships to resolve and influence complex customer situations (franchisees & bottlers).
- Deliver consumer and industry insights that put things into context, explain what it means to the customer brand & category, and provide recommendations on how to apply to the customer's business.
- Construct and deliver an annual marketing calendar that shapes and contributes to the customer's long-term planning process, and conduct customer marketing stewardship reviews with the customer.
- Provide customer business and opportunity assessments, including competitive analysis and recommendations for future expansion and market integration.
- Seek out and leverage internal tools and resources to support customer strategies (e.g., via channel, asset, and brand).
- Host key strategic meetings (e.g., arenaflex Lab and associated preparations with presentations, insights, briefing documents, SMEs, etc.).
- Identify and leverage customer-specific and channel marketing opportunities through prioritizing and capitalizing on channel, customer, and shopper insights and linking to brand strategy.
- Champion both customer and company imperatives internally and externally to deliver the Customer Commitment of Excellence in all areas.
- Develop and execute channel and customer promotions/programs that leverage national brand ideas/thinking and consumer insights to drive increased consumer preference and customer activity.
- Work with sales teams to jointly present major initiatives to customers.
Essential Qualifications
- Minimum Required: Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business or equivalent education. MBA preferred.
- 5+ years' business development experience in a consumer-packaged goods company, agency, or foodservice operator, preferably in both customer management and marketing roles or equivalent marketing leadership experience within the industry.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) experience.
- Advanced Strategic Thinking & Application.
- Robust Forecasting and Planning (Immediate & Long Term).
- Ability to recognize, understand, and interpret consumer behavior, brand strategies, channel, and customer needs while turning this knowledge into action and results.
- Previous Customer/Channel Management experience.
- Demonstrated personal leadership skills and influencing ability.
- Usage and analytical application of account performance data tools to support plans, opportunities, and stewardships.
- Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to create persuasive selling stories.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with iconic and innovative brands.
- Knowledge of the consumer-packaged goods industry and market trends.
- Proven track record of driving business growth and profitability through strategic marketing initiatives.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and develop actionable insights.
- Excellent collaboration and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
Skills and Competencies
- Account Management.
- Analytical Thinking.
- Business Development.
- Business Insights.
- Business Planning.
- Collaboration.
- Communication.
- Customer Marketing.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
- Customer Relationships.
- Customer Service Management.
- Decision Making.
- Influencing.
- Leadership.
- Marketing.
- Marketing Initiatives.
- Negotiation.
- Pitch Presentations.
- Relationship Management.
- Results-Oriented.
- Teamwork.
Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits
At arenaflex, we are committed to nurturing an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what's possible, and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. As a Director, Customer Growth and Strategic Partnerships, you will have access to a range of career growth opportunities and learning benefits, including:
- Professional development programs to enhance your skills and knowledge.
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that drive business growth and profitability.
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners to develop and implement strategic marketing initiatives.
- Access to industry-leading tools and resources to support customer strategies and drive business results.
- A culture that values and recognizes individual contributions and achievements.
Work Environment and Company Culture
At arenaflex, we believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive, and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. As a Director, Customer Growth and Strategic Partnerships, you will be part of a dynamic and collaborative team that is passionate about making a difference in the lives of our customers, employees, and the communities we serve.
Compensation, Perks, and Benefits
arenaflex offers a competitive compensation package, including a base salary range of $160,000 - $186,000, depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a range of perks and benefits, including:
- A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position.
- Annual incentive reference value percentage of 30.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- A culture that values and recognizes individual contributions and achievements.
Conclusion
If you are a highly strategic, collaborative, innovative, and results-driven marketing leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, digital mindset, and exceptional communication skills, we encourage you to apply for the Director, Customer Growth and Strategic Partnerships role at arenaflex. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and collaborative team that is passionate about making a difference in the lives of our customers, employees, and the communities we serve. Apply now to take the first step in your journey with arenaflex.