Who We Are

At Lindt, we are a global fast-growing consumer goods company, enchanting the world with premium chocolate. We are driven by our passion for excellence and go the extra mile ensuring that every Lindt experience is nothing short of exceptional. Our collective efforts are geared towards making a positive impact, not only in the world of premium chocolate but also in the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. Our company embraces a culture defined by the core values of Excellence, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Responsibility, and Collaboration, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment where these principles drive our success.

Position Purpose:

Lead the Trade Finance organization, with the primary purpose of developing and maintaining standard and controlled processes and systems to accurately plan, track and measure the performance of trade spend in the Wholesale division.  Identify and execute Trade Management process improvements, while delivering insights to drive overall improvements in trade profitability.  Lead a team of Trade Management professionals, andallocate resources appropriately to balance and manage the Wholesale account portfolio in the most effective and efficient manner.  Provide ongoing guidance and leadership cross-functionally to Lindt’s internal and external sales force to improve the accuracy and timeliness of all promotional and non-promotional activity, while driving accountability to results.

This is hybrid role that requires three days per week in our Stratham, NH or Boston, MA office.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

• Oversee and maintain the portfolio of trade promotion plans, driving accuracy and accountability in the planning process through Lindt Internal and External Sales Teams as well as the RGM team.  Provide management reports and analyses regarding the overall performance and accuracy of trade planning.

• Provide general oversight to the reconciliation of deductions for quick resolution against promotional programs, including obtaining proper documentation, and researching any discrepancies versus plan. This includes requesting customer repays due to invalid deductions.

• Lead the development, maintenance and improvement of the Trade Management system, including testing and implementing new systems or enhancements.Responsible for ensuring data integrity between Lindt’s ERP system and the Trade Management system to ensure data accuracy.Ensure the proper functioning of the Trade Management System including setting up and updating customers and users, and advising and testing new enhancements to the system.

• Manage the ongoing training of new and existing member of the Lindt Sales Team (Internal and External) through development and execution of standard as well as ad hoc training programs.

• Partner with Commercial Finance team in developing analyses that lead to actionable recommendations related to trade funding.  This will require working with multiple Lindt functions to provide key insights into trade spending initiatives and identify areas for improvement.  

• Develop and implement monthly Trade Management reviews, providing analysis and communicating issues to management.

• Support the Commercial Finance team by providing expertise into the trade spending accrual process to ensure all costs are captured accurately, identifyingissues associated with key accounts,developing and implementing solutions to tactical and root cause issues, monitoring and reporting as needed to Commercial Finance team. 

• Provide Finance with appropriate support and documentation related to commission holds and repays.

• Maintain Policy and Procedures Manual and update as necessary to include new activities and processes.

Leadership Accountabilities

• Develop and manage a team of Trade Management professionals, including training, coaching, career development, and performance reviews. Manage the overall performance of the team by ensuring the appropriate department work structure to capitalize on individual strengths while balancing workloads and providing a high level of support to the sales team and broker network.

• Uncover areas of improvement within the department and establish short- and long-term plans that are consistent with business goals and team development objectives

Qualifications & Requirements:

​​Experience:​

• 5 – 8 years Trade Management and Commercial Finance background

• Experience leading implementation of Trade Management Software system

• Trade Management software operating system experience. 

• Knowledge of outside Sales Activities, including promotions and price exceptions

​​Skills & Knowledge:​

• Proven verbal/written communication skills and demonstrated commitment to teamwork and internal client service orientation

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and independent problem solving skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead projects

• Results and team oriented

• Strong demonstrated knowledge of ERP system; JD Edwards is a plus

• Excellent computer skills including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

​​Education:​

Required

• Bachelors degree

Preferred

• Masters degree in related field