Associate Manager, Customer Development – Target Account Management | Beauty & Wellness Brand Development

About arenaflex

Welcome to arenaflex – where beauty meets innovation, and prestige becomes accessible. We are the next-generation beauty company transforming the industry by incubating and growing meaningful, innovative brands that resonate with today's consumers. At arenaflex, we believe beauty ignites inspiration, creativity, imagination, and connection, sparking new ideas and possibilities while meeting unmet consumer needs in ways the market has never seen before.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: deliver new, better, and different products with an unsurpassed speed to market through best-in-class design, formulation, brand creation, and marketing capabilities. We partner with leading retailers to create and launch brands across beauty and wellness categories that captivate consumers and drive measurable business results. Our current portfolio includes beloved brands like Kristin Ess, Hairitage by Mindy McKnight, Fine'ry, Being Frenshe, Mix:Bar, and Niches & Nooks, among others – each representing our commitment to innovation, quality, and authentic consumer connection.

Located in the vibrant Minneapolis metro area, arenaflex offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment where creativity, collaboration, and game-changing ideas are celebrated daily. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and discipline, where every team member has the opportunity to make an impact and grow their career in the exciting world of beauty and consumer goods.

Position Overview

Are you ready to take your career in account management and customer development to the next level? Join arenaflex as an Associate Manager, Customer Development – Target and become a vital part of our Customer Development team. In this role, you will support the management and growth of our strategic relationship with Target, one of our most important retail partners. This is an exceptional opportunity to develop your skills in data analysis, account management, and strategic planning within the dynamic, fast-paced beauty industry.

As an Associate Manager on our Target account, you will play a pivotal role in driving the success of our innovative beauty brands at one of America's leading retailers. You will collaborate closely with the Account Manager and cross-functional teams to analyze sales data, identify market trends, and ensure the seamless launch and maintenance of products and promotions. This position offers hands-on experience in the inner workings of beauty brand management at a major retailer, with significant exposure to strategic decision-making and business development.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional with strong analytical skills, a passion for the beauty industry, and a drive to succeed in a collaborative, high-performance environment. If you thrive on data-driven insights, enjoy building relationships, and want to be part of a team that's transforming how consumers experience beauty, arenaflex is the place for you.

Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid – 3 days per week in-office)

Key Responsibilities

As an Associate Manager, Customer Development at arenaflex, you will be responsible for supporting the Target account team in driving business performance and strengthening our retail partnership. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Analyze sales data and market trends using industry-leading tools including Circana, Target Partners Online, Excel, and Power BI to provide actionable insights, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and identify opportunities that drive business performance and inform strategic decision-making.
• Sales Strategy Support: Assist the Account Manager in developing and executing comprehensive sales plans, including assortment planning, promotional strategies, new item launches, and ongoing product maintenance to ensure continued growth and market penetration.
• Operational Excellence: Manage critical operational tasks such as new item setup, sample coordination, display management, and contract administration to ensure smooth and efficient account operations across all brand categories.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams including Customer Strategy, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain to align on priorities, coordinate initiatives, and ensure seamless execution of account-specific programs and promotions.
• Presentation & Communication: Assist in preparing compelling presentations and materials for client meetings, ensuring all data and information are accurate, up-to-date, and presented in a clear, persuasive manner that supports strategic objectives.
• Administrative Management: Handle administrative duties related to the account including maintaining accurate item information, updating pricing documentation, and managing planogram implementations to ensure retail compliance and optimal shelf presentation.
• Retail Tool Proficiency: Utilize Target Partners Online tools (including Vendor IQ, ShipIQ, and Pegasus) to track performance metrics, monitor inventory and shipment data, and effectively manage day-to-day account operations.
• Market Intelligence: Stay informed about emerging industry trends, competitor activities, and evolving consumer behaviors in the beauty and wellness space to inform strategies and provide actionable recommendations.
• Sustainability & Innovation: Contribute to arenaflex's ongoing commitment to innovative and sustainable brand strategies, supporting initiatives that align with our values and resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.

Essential Qualifications

To succeed in this role, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Economics, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: 1-3 years of professional experience in sales analysis, account management, retail merchandising, or a related role within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, beauty sector, or retail environment.
• Retail Experience: Previous experience working with Target or other major retailers is highly preferred, with a strong understanding of retail business models, merchandising strategies, and customer development processes.
• Technical Skills: Strong analytical capabilities with proven proficiency in Excel (including advanced functions, pivot tables, and data visualization) and familiarity with business intelligence tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex data clearly and persuasively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, building strong relationships with colleagues, partners, and retail customers.
• Organization: Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.
• Proactivity: Self-motivated and proactive approach to problem-solving, with the ability to anticipate needs and identify opportunities without requiring extensive supervision.
• Industry Passion: Genuine passion for the beauty industry and authentic curiosity about consumer trends, market dynamics, and emerging product categories.
• Technical Advantage: Familiarity with Target Partners Online tools (Vendor IQ, ShipIQ, Pegasus) is a plus but not required for qualified candidates willing to learn.

Skills & Competencies for Success

Beyond formal qualifications, success in this role requires a specific set of skills and competencies that enable you to thrive at arenaflex:

• Analytical Thinking: The ability to parse complex datasets, identify patterns and trends, and translate findings into actionable business recommendations that drive measurable results.
• Strategic Mindset: Understanding of how individual tactics and initiatives contribute to broader business objectives and the ability to align daily activities with long-term strategic goals.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a rapidly evolving environment where priorities may shift and new challenges arise regularly – flexibility and resilience are essential.
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills that enable you to establish credibility with both internal stakeholders and external retail partners through professionalism, reliability, and consistent performance.
• Project Management: Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, manage timelines effectively, and ensure all deliverables meet quality standards and deadlines.
• Business Acumen: Solid understanding of retail mathematics, margin analysis, and the drivers of profitability in the consumer products industry.
• Technical Agility: Quick learner who can master new software platforms, data tools, and retail-specific systems with minimal onboarding time.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Innovative approach to addressing challenges, with the ability to develop novel solutions that create competitive advantages for arenaflex and our retail partners.

Career Growth & Development Opportunities

At arenaflex, we are committed to investing in the growth and development of our team members. This position offers an exceptional platform for professional advancement in several key areas:

• Industry Expertise: Gain deep knowledge of the beauty and wellness industry, including brand development, product innovation, and consumer behavior trends that shape the future of retail.
• Retail Partnership Skills: Develop expertise in managing strategic retail relationships, understanding retailer priorities, and navigating the complexities of national account management.
• Data Mastery: Enhance your analytical capabilities through hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and real-world business challenges that sharpen your ability to derive insights from complex datasets.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Work alongside teams in Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Product Development, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how all facets of the business interconnect to deliver results.
• Leadership Pathway: This role serves as a springboard for future advancement into Account Manager, Senior Account Manager, and eventually Director-level positions within the Customer Development organization.
• Skill Development: Access ongoing training opportunities, mentorship from experienced industry professionals, and exposure to cutting-edge business practices in a private equity-backed environment that values innovation and excellence.

Work Environment & Culture

arenaflex is more than a workplace – it's a community of passionate professionals who share a common vision of transforming the beauty industry. Here's what you can expect when you join our team:

• Collaborative Culture: We believe the best ideas emerge when diverse perspectives come together. Our inclusive environment encourages open dialogue, creative thinking, and mutual support across all teams and levels.
• Hybrid Flexibility: We support a hybrid work arrangement that balances in-office collaboration (3 days per week) with remote work flexibility, allowing you to optimize productivity while maintaining meaningful connections with colleagues.
• Innovation Mindset: We encourage calculated risk-taking and creative problem-solving, rewarding team members who challenge conventional thinking and propose breakthrough ideas.
• Values-Driven Organization: Our core values – collaboration, curiosity, game-changing innovation, creativity, and discipline – guide every decision we make and every relationship we build.
• Inclusive Environment: We are committed to creating a welcoming environment for employees, partners, ideas, approaches, and endeavors – all through a spirit of warmth, respect, and inclusivity. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.
• Work-Life Balance: We encourage wellness and balance through generous paid time off, flexible leave options, and support for personal well-being.

Compensation & Benefits

We recognize that our team members are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits:

• Base Salary: The annual base salary range for this position is $75,000 – $95,000. Exact compensation may vary based on individual skills, relevant experience, and qualifications.
• Performance Bonus: Eligible for participation in a discretionary annual bonus plan based on individual and company performance, providing additional earning potential for high performers.
• Health & Wellness: Choose to enroll in comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as access to wellness programs that support your physical and mental well-being.
• Financial Protection: Access to life insurance, disability coverage, and other financial protection programs that provide peace of mind for you and your family.
• Retirement Savings: Eligibility to participate in retirement savings plans to help you build long-term financial security.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off policies that allow you to recharge, spend time with loved ones, and pursue personal interests outside of work.
• Professional Development: Continuous learning and development opportunities that help you grow professionally and advance your career at arenaflex.

Join the arenaflex Team

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic team that's reshaping the beauty industry, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. At arenaflex, you will work alongside talented professionals who share your passion for innovation, creativity, and delivering exceptional results. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact, develop valuable skills, and grow your career in one of the most exciting sectors in consumer goods.

We are looking for candidates who are energized by challenge, motivated by opportunity, and committed to excellence. If you have the qualifications, passion, and drive to succeed in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment, we want to hear from you.

Apply now and take the first step toward an exciting career with arenaflex – where your talent and ambition can flourish.

arenaflex is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.