Associate Director, Trade Marketing (Pet)

The Associate Director of Trade Marketing is an influential leader in driving top-line growth and profitability for the Post Consumer Brands (PCB) Pet portfolio. This role leads the development and execution of channel & customer-focused strategies that align brand, channel, and sales priorities. By collaborating cross-functionally with Sales, Sales Planning, Brand Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain, this position ensures seamless execution of commercial initiatives. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking, leadership excellence, and strong influencing skills to inspire teams and deliver measurable business results.

Key Accountabilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a long-term vision for commercial go-to-market strategies that advance brand, channel and customer objectives while aligning with Post Consumer Brand’s overarching goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead and inspire teams to create and implement innovative customer-centric solutions that drive growth and differentiation in the market.
• Channel & Customer Strategy: Build and execute tailored channel strategies to maximize product availability, visibility, and performance across key customers and retail environments.
• Commercial Integration: Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers representing the voice of market insights and internal planning to sales teams and the voice of customer to PCB.
• Commercial Ownership: Own and lead the execution of product, pricing, placement, and promotion strategies, including price-pack architecture, display optimization, and distribution expansion.
• Performance Management: Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness and implementation of trade marketing initiatives and priorities, driving continuous improvement.
• Financial Accountability: Oversee the development and management of multi-million-dollar trade budgets, ensuring optimal ROI and financial performance.
• Talent Development: Build and maintain a high-performing Trade Marketing team, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation by providing ongoing guidance, coaching, and development.
• Industry Expertise: Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscape, and consumer behavior to identify growth opportunities.
• Analytical Proficiency: Leverage data and analytics to inform decision-making and optimize trade spending across pet portfolio

Working Location: Hybrid

• This role is located at the Lakeville, MN Corporate office
• Typical hybrid schedule includes 3 days in-office with remote flexibility up to 2 days a week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in trade marketing, sales, or category management within the consumer-packaged goods industry.
• Prior pet industry experience preferred
• Effective communication and presentation skills with an aptitude to simplify complex subject matter.
• Proven track record of delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external partners.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of financial metrics and their impact on business performance.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills for data analysis and PowerPoint for impactful/influential messaging
• Experience with trade planning and management software.
• Proven ability to recruit, lead and develop high-performing teams.