Customer Development Manager – Strategic Retail Partnerships & Revenue Growth – Charlotte, NC at arenaflex
Welcome to arenaflex – Where Innovation Meets Opportunity
At arenaflex, we believe that the secret to our success is the talent, passion, and dedication of our teammates. As a global leader in the beverage and consumer goods industry, we are committed to delivering delightful experiences to millions of consumers each day. Our portfolio of iconic brands, cutting‑edge technology, and relentless focus on sustainability empower us to shape market trends and set new standards for excellence.
We are expanding our dynamic team in Charlotte, NC, and we are seeking a forward‑thinking Customer Development Manager who can act as a thought leader, build high‑impact partnerships, and drive profitable growth across our retail network. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, love solving complex business challenges, and enjoy collaborating across functions, arenaflex is the place where your career can truly flourish.
Why Choose arenaflex?
- Competitive Compensation: Attractive base salary complemented by performance‑based incentives.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes 401(k) with dollar‑for‑dollar company match, employee stock purchase plan, health, dental, vision, and disability coverage, as well as basic and supplemental life insurance.
- Paid Time Off & Holidays: Generous PTO, paid holidays, and paid training to support work‑life balance.
- Professional Development: Ongoing learning programs, tuition reimbursement, and access to industry conferences.
- Flexible Work Environment: Remote‑first approach with a home office setup, complemented by travel opportunities to meet customers, partners, and internal teams.
- Growth Pathways: Clear career ladders that can lead to senior leadership, regional management, or specialist roles within the ever‑expanding arenaflex ecosystem.
Role Overview – What You’ll Do
The Customer Development Manager (CDM) serves as the strategic bridge between arenaflex and its key retail partners. You will lead the development, negotiation, and execution of joint business plans, ensuring that every partnership delivers measurable sales growth, margin improvement, and brand equity.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Partnership Development: Build, negotiate, and sustain high‑performance partnerships with major pharmacy, grocery, and discount retailers, ensuring alignment with arenaflex’s long‑term growth objectives.
- Cross‑Functional Leadership: Partner closely with Field Operations, Product Supply, Marketing, Revenue Generation, and the National Retail Sales Team to synchronize strategies and drive seamless execution.
- Business Planning & Execution: Craft joint business plans that incorporate promotional calendars, assortment strategies, pricing tactics, and shopper insights; monitor progress against targets and adjust tactics as needed.
- Data‑Driven Decision Making: Analyze sales, market share, and consumer trend data to uncover opportunities, diagnose performance gaps, and recommend corrective actions.
- Program Management: Design and launch sales programs, in‑store activations, and shopper marketing initiatives; conduct post‑event analysis to evaluate ROI and inform future strategies.
- Stakeholder Communication: Produce compelling presentations and reports for senior leadership, articulating results, insights, and recommendations.
- Travel & Relationship Building: Conduct regular field visits—approximately 40% travel, including overnight stays—to meet customers, internal partners, and regional teams.
Essential Skills & Competencies
- Advanced Negotiation & Persuasion: Ability to influence senior decision‑makers and secure mutually beneficial agreements.
- Analytical Acumen: Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools to interpret complex datasets.
- Strategic Thinking: Capacity to view the broader market landscape, anticipate competitive moves, and position arenaflex for sustainable advantage.
- Exceptional Communication: Strong oral and written skills; adept at delivering clear, persuasive presentations to diverse audiences.
- Organizational Excellence: Strong time‑management, prioritization, and attention‑to‑detail, especially when juggling multiple projects with tight deadlines.
- Collaboration & Influence: Proven ability to work across functional silos, fostering trust and aligning objectives.
- Customer‑Centric Mindset: Proactive approach to service, anticipating retailer needs and delivering solutions that drive joint success.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or a related field (preferred).
- 2+ years of experience in the beverage or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, with a demonstrated record of managing retailer relationships.
- Experience developing and executing joint business plans or category management initiatives.
- Willingness to travel up to 40% of the time, including overnight trips.
- Comfort working in a remote‑first environment while maintaining strong virtual communication.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) or relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Professional Sales Leader).
- Hands‑on experience with ERP or CRM platforms (e.g., SAP, Salesforce).
- Proven track record of achieving double‑digit sales growth in a competitive retail environment.
- Fluency in data analytics tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar.
- Multilingual capabilities, especially Spanish, to support broader regional interactions.
Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex
Our team embraces a culture of inclusion, curiosity, and continuous improvement. At arenaflex, you will find:
- Inclusive Atmosphere: Diverse perspectives are celebrated; every voice matters.
- Innovation‑Driven: We invest in the latest technology and encourage experimentation.
- Collaboration Spaces: Virtual and physical “hubs” where ideas are exchanged, and cross‑functional teams unite.
- Recognition Programs: Regular acknowledgment of outstanding performance through awards, spot bonuses, and public commendations.
- Health & Well‑Being: Access to mental‑health resources, wellness challenges, and ergonomic home‑office stipends.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
arenaflex is committed to nurturing talent. As a Customer Development Manager, you will have pathways to:
- Senior Customer Development roles with broader geographic responsibility.
- Regional Sales Leadership positions overseeing multiple markets.
- Strategic Marketing or Category Management tracks, leveraging your market insights.
- Participation in global leadership development programs and mentorship circles.
Compensation & Benefits Overview
While specific salary ranges are market‑dependent, successful candidates can expect:
- Competitive base salary aligned with industry benchmarks.
- Performance‑based annual bonus tied to individual and team targets.
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
- 401(k) with dollar‑for‑dollar company match.
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) enabling you to become an owner of arenaflex.
- Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and paid training programs.
- Remote work stipend for home‑office equipment and high‑speed internet.
How to Apply
If you are ready to make a measurable impact, collaborate with top‑tier retail partners, and accelerate your career with a globally recognized brand, arenaflex welcomes your application. Click the button below to submit your resume and cover letter. Our recruitment team will review your qualifications and contact you to discuss next steps.
Equal Opportunity Employer
arenaflex is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
We look forward to welcoming a driven, innovative leader to our Charlotte team. Take the next step in your professional journey—apply today and help us shape the future of refreshment.
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