Director Sales and Operations Planning

The Director, Sales and Operations Planning is a pivotal role within our organization, dedicated to leading the development and execution of strategic sales plans to drive business growth and optimize performance. This role leads sales and operations planning using data-driven decision-making, deep knowledge of our go-to-market process, and strategic operations planning. The Director will work closely with key stakeholders across the organization, including sales, marketing, finance, workforce empowerment, talent acquisition, and analytics teams, to deliver actionable plans and innovative solutions that drive brand growth and productivity.

Job Will Remain Open Until Filled

The Company is one of North America’s leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management, and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers, and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics, and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive sales plans, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and financial targets, while fostering equitable opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather and analyze data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to inform sales strategies with care and integrity.
• Drive optimization of trade spending and demand forecasting, ensuring efficiency in trade management systems.
• Proactively assess sales performance, identifying gaps and opportunities, and providing recommendations to improve outcomes.
• Collaborate with IT and Data Science partners to develop innovative tools for predictive forecasting of event demand, informing talent acquisition and workforce needs.
• Present thought leadership and analysis to internal and external stakeholders, integrating data to drive decision-making.
• Lead analysis of operational processes to identify efficiencies and assess go-to-market strategies.
• Conduct root cause analysis when execution rates fall short and propose mitigating actions.
• Develop pricing models that align client demand with value-maximizing opportunities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct Reports
This position will have supervisory responsibilities as future direct reports are planned, including exempt-level roles and support positions.

Indirect Reports
May delegate work and provide guidance, direction, and mentoring to indirect reports.

Minimum Qualifications

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Data Analytics, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is preferred.

Experience Requirements: 8+ years of experience in sales planning, analytics, or related roles with a strong track record of business growth through strategic planning and data-driven decision-making.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• Leadership and mentorship abilities, fostering collaboration and inclusivity.
• Deep knowledge of sales planning processes, trade management systems, and analytic tools.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, PowerBI) and advanced analytics.
• Experience in operations planning, forecasting, and data science.

Environmental & Physical Requirements
Office / Sedentary Requirements
Incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the job. Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Typically, requires the abilty to sit for extended periods of time (66%+ each day), ability to hear telephone, ability to enter data on a computer and may require the ability to lift up to 10lbs.

Additional Information Regarding Job Duties and Job Descriptions

Job duties include additional responsibilities as assigned by one’s supervisor or other manager related to the position/department. This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. The Company reserves the right at any time with or without notice to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job positions, or assign additional job responsibilities, subject to applicable law. The Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable a qualified applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of associates so classified.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by law. As part of this commitment, the Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable an applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.