Manager, Business Military

At SpartanNash, we deliver the ingredients for a better life through customer-focused innovation. We do this for our supply chain customers and U.S. military commissaries, retail store guests and, most importantly, our Associates. In fact, we see a day when each will say, “I can’t live without them.”

Our SpartanNash family of Associates is 20,000 strong, ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists. Each of them plays an integral role in SpartanNash’s People First culture, Operational Excellence and Insights that Drive Solutions. Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company? Apply now!

Location:

Job Description:

Position Summary:

This role is responsible to represent the company by maintaining close, positive and effective relationships with military customers to include achieving optimal profitability and cultivating new business based on providing effective solutions, guidance, strategies, customer programs and tools that foster success in company's business. Regularly audits and analyzes customer metrics  and develops plans for improved performance. 

Here’s what you’ll do: 

• Act as the primary liaison between the company and the military customers (vendors) by developing positive, strong, close and lasting customer relationships that enhance trust in the company, improve customer loyalty, longevity, and profitability and ensure quick and effective communication and problem resolution.  

• Engage in regular contact with customers to identify needs and provide integrated full scope solutions.  

• Provide expertise to customers on operational and administrative  issues and recommend solutions.  

• Ensure customers (vendors & brokers) understand all the services company provides, especially its ability to deliver quality fresh product to customers.  

• Develop annual and seasonal business plan and sales & marketing strategy in alignment with company's overarching strategy to ensure attainment of revenue and profit goals.  

• Increase sales by speeding up new item introduction and maximum product penetration.

• Prepare and provide formal business reviews for individual customers on a quarterly basis, identify customer’s strengths and weaknesses, help them respond to their weaknesses and assist in the development of longer-term plans for improved performance.  

• Measure the success or failure of business-building initiatives and identify opportunity gaps that can be corrected as needed to ensure growth.  

• Negotiate supply agreements that drive improved financials.  

• Provide corporate management with updates on key account sales, programs, and services, and present new ideas to upper management to increase sales.  

• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Here’s what you’ll need:  

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field or equivalent combination of education and or experience. 

• Five years of combined experience in sales and account management. Experience in a grocery, wholesale, or food industry environment preferred. 

• Excellent ability to prioritize and self-motivate.  

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills including a strong ability to present new ideas and persuade individuals and thrive on networking.  

• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills, including evaluating possible outcomes.  

• Strong working knowledge of products and services, and industry trends.  

• Ability to evaluate and understand the actions and needs of customers and business, convey a positive attitude and viewpoint, and to provide business knowledge and emotional support to customers.  

• Proficient with Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.  

• Ability to travel up to 25%. 

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

May be required to lift and/or move 20 pounds. The associate is frequently required to sit/stand/walk. While performing the duties of this position, the associate is subject to a typical office environment and is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. Temperatures may vary for those subject to any of the following areas: computer/server room, print shop, production area). The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate but may be high in distribution settings. Travel requirements vary by assignment.

As part of our People First culture, SpartanNash is proud to offer a robust and competitive Total Rewards benefits package.

SpartanNash is an Equal Opportunity Employer that invests in Associate development, recognizes and celebrates success, fosters two-way communication, and promotes a sense of belonging. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities and Veterans. 

We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.