The Sr Manager, Trade Finance role at Vital Farms leads trade promotion management and optimization to improve promotional ROI. This position reports to the Sr. Director, Commercial & Trade Finance and manages a team of two direct reports.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead trade promotion management and optimization efforts, including strategic trade reviews and post-event analysis.
- Guide the sales crew through all stages of the Trade Management process.
- Coordinate and maintain Blacksmith TPM and TPO systems for assigned customers.
- Support sales in Blacksmith TPO scenario planning to determine promotions that make sense from volume, margin, and ROI perspectives.
- Support sales in Blacksmith TPM processes, including forecast accuracy, promo scenario guidance, post-event analysis, and feedback to support clean reporting and deduction clearing.
- Conduct monthly trade reviews with Account Managers for assigned customers.
- Understand and enforce best-in-class trade management practices, including naming conventions, delivery versus performance dates, performance type definitions, and related standards.
- Partner with accounting to resolve deductions and research to close within 90 days of receipt.
- Release and close fully actualized promotions in TPM for assigned customers.
- Contribute to annual revenue and trade bottoms-up planning, including identifying revenue and budget gaps to AOP.
- Assist with trade management KPI development and reporting, including retail price point execution, budget over/under spends, contract attachments, forecast accuracy, promotion creation PLT, and more.
- Assist in reporting and communication of incremental volume plans to Demand Planning, and discuss details during demand reviews.
- Coordinate and track committed promotions for approval, including approving promotions for assigned customers.
- Manage trade team efforts to gather post-event analysis details in Power BI and present findings during sales reviews.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of two direct reports with an emphasis on accountability and high performance.
- Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
- Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex trade management issues.
- Support system maintenance tasks, including new customer setups, OI validation in the ERP system, and uploading consumption actuals.
- Ensure direct/indirect tables are accurate and maintained.
- Partner with sales to ensure volume plans are complete and updated when items are introduced or discontinued.
- Develop and communicate recommendations for standard operating procedures as the organization grows.
- Provide input on future TPM enhancements and help test functionality of enhancements over time.
Required Qualifications
- 6+ years in a CPG trade promotion management or related role, including at least 2 years in a people leadership position.
- BS/BA in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field (required).
- 10-20% travel required for team meetings, company training, onboarding trips, and events.
- Advanced Excel skills and strong MS Office proficiency.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage monthly deadlines.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work comfortably with minimal direct supervision, with the manager based remotely.
- Interest in ethical and nutritious food and purpose-driven brands.
- Proven experience in sales; experience as a sales analyst in similar roles is a plus.
Preferred Experience & Skills
- Experience with Blacksmith, Power BI, Spins, IRI, Circana, Nielsen, and customer portals.
- Familiarity with ERP environments and trade management workflows.
Tools & Technologies
- Blacksmith TPM, Blacksmith TPO
- Power BI
- Spins, IRI, Circana, Nielsen
- ERP
- MS Office, Excel
- Customer portals
Compensation
USD 130,000 - 150,000 per year
Benefits
- Competitive pay and benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Paid Parental Leave.
- Generous retirement contributions: 401(k) + 3% Contribution from Day 1.
- Free eggs, plus friends and family discounts.
- Professional development opportunities and a team focused on growth.
Travel
10-20% travel is required for team meetings, company training, onboarding trips, and events.
Location & Remote Eligibility
Based in Austin, TX with a remote work designation within the United States. The company is currently unable to employ individuals residing in: Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
