Manager, Channel Strategy & Development - Impulse Channels

The Impulse Channel Strategy & Development Manager leads the development and execution of the channel strategy for the Convenience, Dollar, Drug and Mobile Vending business segments that lie within the Wells Impulse Channel. This role leads key customer development planning by providing direction and support in short and long-term plans for our strategic accounts. Develops and manages the Marketing and Sales support efforts within the channel. 

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead overall development of how to execute the corporate and brand strategies within the channel; develop business plans, including sales, profit, and budget forecasts, as well as product, promotional, pricing, distribution and market development strategies and tactics. 
• Connect the field sales team (voice of customer) with brand marketing teams and other internal cross-functional support teams, as well as driving internal business needs out to field sales team in working with customers.
• Collaborate with sales, brand marketing and other cross-functional resources to lead development and execution of key initiative sales materials and tools to support successful customer presentations by the Impulse sales team.
• Mine and leverage syndicated data and customer-specific insights to collaborate with internal resources and sales leads to develop impactful large-opportunity customer presentations.  Accompany sales team to large opportunity sales calls, co-present and provide corporate-level presence, marketing expertise and support.
• Engage with the sales team and customers to evaluate and increase the effectiveness of new products and promotion plans. Remain informed of trends and potential adjustments needed for marketing programs. Gather intelligence on competitor pricing, products, marketing and distribution.
• Aid in the development and execution of revenue generating shopper marketing programs and activities that build brand equity with distributors, accounts and operators to drive engagement and purchases.
• Lead key customer development planning by providing excellence in short-term and long-term plans for our strategic accounts. Partner with Category Management, Consumer Insights and Finance teams to create strategic recommendations and outline supporting processes, tools and resources for effective plan implementation. 
• Partner proactively with internal functions to propose or evaluate new product opportunities based on alignment with overall business goals and opportunities to develop the channel innovation pipeline for 1-3-5 year plans. Assist in the innovation and commercialization process by coordinating concept testing, providing sales estimates and presenting to the leadership team. 
• Own and effectively manage the channel marketing budget to develop unique multi-segment sales strategies, sales materials, distributor and operator shopper marketing programs by leveraging strategic thinking, creativity, and customer insights in line with channel business objectives. 
• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate industry experience, MBA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years sales or marketing experience in Impulse, Retail, or similar food distribution channels.
• Ability to develop and implement sales strategies within channels to maximize revenue and meet sales goals.
• Experience in effectively influencing a cross-functional team to drive results. 
• High level of familiarity with syndicated data sources and the ability to independently mine data / consumer insights to create compelling selling stories. 
• Strong systems skills related to analyzing sales data, forecasting, and trade management systems is a plus.
• Excellent critical thinking, decision making and analytical skills.
• Collaborative problem-solving skills, relationship management, and interpersonal skills. 
• Clear and effective written communication and presentation skills in both individual and group settings.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. 

The base pay range for this position is $115,766 to $162,073 annually.  Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law.  This pay range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

Wells Enterprises is an EEO/AA employer M/F/Vet/Dis

Wells Enterprises, Inc. is the largest privately held ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1913 by Fred H. Wells and run by the Wells family for generations, the company is an independent operating company of the Ferrero Group, one of the global leaders in sweet, packaged foods. 

Wells produces more than 200 million gallons of ice cream per year and distributes products in all 50 states. Wells manufactures its signature brand Blue Bunny®, lower-calorie Halo Top®, the iconic Bomb Pop®, and Blue Ribbon Classics®.

Wells employs nearly 4,000 ice cream aficionados across the country. The company is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, where Wells has made Le Mars the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” as the largest manufacturer of ice cream in one location.  Wells operates two manufacturing plants in Le Mars, Iowa, a manufacturing plant in Dunkirk, New York, and a manufacturing facility in Henderson, Nevada. Learn more at www.wellsenterprisesinc.com.

What We Offer

At Wells, we’re proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual incentive bonus based on Company performance.  Learn more about our benefits here.