Now Hiring - Confidential - Sales Planner (Branded Food Products) in Cincinnati, OH

Full description of the position

Sales Planner (Branded Food Products) Join a Growing Ohio-Based Food Manufacturer with a Trusted Legacy We're an established food manufacturer bringing traditional favorites and innovative new products to tables across the US and Canada. Our ready-to-eat portfolio combines time-tested quality with modern consumer appeal. Now we're looking for a strategic Sales Planner to help us unlock our next phase of growth. Location: Remote (strongly prefer candidates in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, or Northern Kentucky) Travel: Occasional visits to customers, brokers, and production facilities The Opportunity As our Sales Planner, you'll be the strategic engine behind our sales operations--turning data into insights, insights into action, and action into profitable growth. You'll work at the intersection of sales, marketing, supply chain, and finance, ensuring we have the right products, in the right places, at the right time. This isn't just a forecasting role; it's a growth strategy position where your analysis directly shapes our business decisions. What You'll Do Drive Customer Growth & Strategy * Own sales planning and performance analysis for major grocery and club channel accounts * Develop compelling customer business reviews and growth strategies using syndicated data (IRI, Nielsen, SPINS) * Build data-driven presentations that showcase opportunities and drive customer investment * Collaborate with brokers to manage accounts, develop programs, and deliver results * Monitor inventory levels and order patterns to prevent out-of-stocks and optimize distribution Create Accurate Demand Plans * Develop monthly and annual sales forecasts by customer, brand, and SKU that drive our production and financial planning * Analyze historical trends, promotional activities, and market dynamics to build reliable projections * Partner with sales teams to incorporate real-time customer intelligence into forecasts * Continuously refine forecasting models to improve accuracy and business outcomes Uncover Market Opportunities * Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, white space opportunities, and untapped channels * Analyze competitive dynamics, pricing strategies, and category performance to inform strategic priorities * Build business cases for new products, line extensions, and distribution expansion * Evaluate regional sales patterns and demographic insights to pinpoint growth opportunities Plan & Optimize Promotions * Design promotional strategies for grocery and club customers that maximize ROI * Build volume projections for retailer events and seasonal programs * Track promotional performance and provide actionable post-event analysis * Manage promotional calendars to ensure seamless execution across teams Connect the Dots Across Teams * Align production schedules with demand forecasts in partnership with supply chain * Collaborate with finance on volume planning, revenue projections, and budgets * Coordinate with marketing on launches, innovation, and brand strategies * Translate complex data into clear recommendations for sales teams and leadership What You Bring Required: * Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field * 5-7 years in food manufacturing or CPG, with proven success in brand management, category management, or sales planning * Track record of using data to identify opportunities and drive measurable business growth * Grocery and/or club channel experience * Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas) and data visualization tools * Hands-on experience with syndicated data platforms (IRI, Nielsen, SPINS) * Strong analytical mindset with the ability to tell compelling stories with data * Excellent communication and presentation skills that influence cross-functional partners * Experience with ERP systems and forecasting tools Bonus Points: * Background in both brand management and sales planning * Familiarity with trade promotion management (TPM) systems * Deep knowledge of shopper insights and private label dynamics * Refrigerated or shelf-stable vegetables category experience What Makes You Successful You're analytically sharp but strategically minded--someone who doesn't just crunch numbers but understands the "why" behind them. You thrive in collaborative environments, building relationships across teams while maintaining meticulous attention to detail. You're comfortable presenting to executives and rolling up your sleeves to dig into data. Most importantly, you're energized by growth opportunities, developing relationships, earning the trust of customers, and bringing a commercial mindset to everything you do. What We Offer * Competitive compensation with incentives * Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) * Remote flexibility with preference for regional candidates * Proven history of company success, stability, and growth * Collaborative culture where your insights directly shape business strategy * Impact on established brands with exciting innovation in the pipeline * The chance to work with a company that values both tradition and innovation Ready to Apply? If you're excited about driving growth for a trusted food brand and want to make a real strategic impact, we'd love to hear from you. Send your resume and a brief note about what interests you about this opportunity. Job Type: Full-time Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance * Work from home Work Location: Remote