National Account Manager, Global Discounters

About the Role:

We have a current opening for a National Account Manager, Global Discounters and are actively reviewing applications.

 

The National Account Manager, Global Discounters and Distributors, will be responsible for executing and driving a retail sales plan across key Value Channel customers, including ALDI, Lidl, and Closeout Distributors in the US, resulting in the delivery of sales and profit growth for existing and new Ferrero products. This person will serve as the primary strategic business lead and customer-facing representative for these accounts, responsible for driving sustainable growth, strengthening customer relationships including wiring key leaders together, and leading cross-functional business execution.

 

Success in this role requires strong ownership, initiative, strategic thinking, and the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and fast-moving business environments. The ideal candidate will bring strong Value Channel or discount retail experience, with experience supporting ALDI and/or Lidl considered a plus.

 

This person will report to the Value Channel Director and will ideally be based in the Eastern or Central time zones with preference for Metro Chicago, Nashville, or Parsippany, NJ.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Own end-to-end category strategy, execution, and integration across ALDI, Lidl, and Closeout Distributors
  • Meet category revenue, volume, growth, profit, and share targets
  • Meet category distribution, shelving, pricing, and merchandising goals
  • Manage and strengthen strategic relationships with ALDI, Lidl, and closeout distributor category buyers
  • Develop and maintain strong multi-level customer relationships across buying, merchandising, supply chain, and operational functions to ensure continuity and long-term business partnership success
  • Deliver annual joint business planning sessions at ALDI & Lidl with monthly follow-ups
  • Lead customer-facing business reviews and strategic selling conversations grounded in category insights, customer economics, and growth opportunities
  • Actively engage and leverage Ferrero Global Strategic Business Development Group by delivering monthly business updates and quarterly business reviews
  • Influence cross-functional support to develop new and optimized pack types for ALDI and Lidl
  • Engage in formalized top-to-top innovation sessions at ALDI & Lidl to identify medium and long-term business opportunities and flag to Team Leader
  • Own relationship with ALDI & Lidl category buyers and execute formalized, value-added engagement plans with established feedback loops to act on customer input
  • Work collaboratively to develop innovative and insightful content to drive category growth
  • Demonstrate strong commercial ownership by proactively identifying risks, resolving issues, escalating barriers appropriately, and driving timely execution across internal and external stakeholders
  • Expand Closeout Distributor network by identifying new and trusted outlets for excess product
  • Develop and own accurate SKU-level forecasts each month based on expected demand, seasons, and promotions
  • Provide monthly and year-out forecasts and trade plans
  • Operate with a high degree of autonomy and accountability in managing customer strategy, planning, communication, and execution
  • Drive cross-functional alignment across Sales Planning, Supply Chain, Finance, Category Leadership, and Revenue Growth Management to support customer objectives and business priorities
  • Translate complex business data into clear, actionable recommendations for both internal leadership and external customers

About You:

  • At least 8-10 years of Sales, Account Management, Merchandising, Category Management, and/or Customer Leadership experience is required, preferably within Value Channel, hard discount, mass, grocery, or related retail environments; ALDI and/or Lidl experience considered a plus
  • Bachelor’s Degree is required, M.B.A preferred
  • Interpersonal skills to interface effectively with the necessary internal and external stakeholders
  • Strategic and proactive thinking to develop sales strategies and translate them into distribution, shelving, pricing, and merchandising objectives
  • Strong data analysis skills to monitor performance in category and develop strategies to close gaps and increase sales
  • Management presentation competencies to effectively present key insights in front of internal and external stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to operate independently, prioritize effectively, and drive outcomes in a fast-paced, complex retail environment
  • Strong executive communication and storytelling skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into concise business recommendations
  • Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders without direct authority
  • Ability to anticipate business challenges, identify opportunities, and proactively develop solutions
  • Strong organizational rigor and attention to detail across forecasting, planning, customer communication, and executional follow-through
  • Experience managing strategic national retail accounts with high levels of ownership and accountability preferred
  • Global and enterprising mindset and desire to build a successful career with a growing global company

 

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.

Our Benefits & Perks:

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

 

The base salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $138,000.00 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.

About Ferrero:

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

DE&I at Ferrero:

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
Find out more here.

 

Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic. 

 

Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.


Nearest Major Market: Chicago