Key Account Specialist, Walmart

At Lindt, we are a global fast-growing consumer goods company, enchanting the world with premium chocolate. We are driven by our passion for excellence and go the extra mile ensuring that every Lindt experience is nothing short of exceptional. Our collective efforts are geared towards making a positive impact, not only in the world of premium chocolate but also in the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. Our company embraces a culture defined by the core values of Excellence, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Responsibility, and Collaboration, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment where these principles drive our success.

Position Purpose:

The Walmart Key Account Specialist will work closely with the National Account Manager on the Lindt Sales team to support the execution of strategic non-seasonal programs for Walmart. They will conduct sales analysis, provide customer support, and collaborate with the team to ensure alignment with Walmart's needs, company sales objectives, and profitability targets. The Walmart Key Account Specialist will focus on driving sales growth through effective strategic analytics, program management, and pallet/display allocations.

Sales and Account Management

• Curate Walmart Merchant-directed needs for Walmart Layout Center (LOC) for each non-seasonal planogram reset ensure planogram and modular integrity
• Directly sell item allocation into Walmart for each promotional event, collaborating with the National Account Manager and Walmart Merchants
• Manage the promotional allocation process, including oversight of 3rd party execution, review, refine, and approve recommendations, submit to Walmart according to customer requirements, audit actuals and analyze outcomes
• Own the Trade Promotion Management (TPM) process for non-seasonal programs, ensuring accurate planning, execution, and analysis of promotional activities to drive sales and profitability
• Develop compelling selling stories for the Walmart non-seasonal business to drive sales and support the National Account Manager in presentations
• Provide sales and promotional recommendations to the National Account Manager(s) based on thorough sales and trend analysis
• Utilize Walmart Scintilla and other relevant data tools to deliver in-depth analysis and actionable insights, supporting sustained Lindt non-seasonal growth at Walmart
• Monitor customer profitability and analyze monthly trade spending through customer P&L analysis, ensuring overall profitability
• Participate in strategic, multi-year planning with key Brand team partners
• Collaborate with Walmart's inventory/logistics teams and internal customer service to ensure alignment on ordering and replenishment recommendations

Fiscal Responsibility

• Conduct routine promotional analysis to assess efficiency and effectiveness of trade spending and make recommendations as needed to optimize future planning and support initiatives.
• Partner with management to align accurate monthly rolling forecasts in the planning systems.
• Create full year sales planning tool by customer/product group/product to plan both GTS and NTS volume.
• Collaborate with Demand Consensus Group (including Finance, the planning group and Marketing) to deliver information that provides value to each of their respective departments.

Order & Inventory Management

• Track orders vs. commitments for everyday programs to ensure compliance.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Skills & Knowledge:

Experience

• 4+ years of retail supplier experience, with a strong understanding of Walmart's business practices and requirements
• Proven track record of driving sales growth and supporting key accounts

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Walmart Scintilla, and other relevant tools
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• In-depth knowledge of the CPG industry and market trends

Education:

• Bachelor's degree: MBA preferred

Other Requirements:

• Travel up to 40%