Business Manager, Professional Pest Control - Central Garden & Pet
Schaumburg, IL 60173
About the Job
Description
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT), is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products for the pet, lawn and garden supplies markets. The Central Life Sciences (CLS) business unit is dedicated to delivering insect management solutions to a wide array of markets. As an integral part of CLS, the Zoëcon Professional Products (ZPP) vertical is focused on delivering insect management solutions in the professional mosquito control (Vector) and the structural pest control markets. The Zoëcon Professional Products (ZPP) vertical is seeking a Business Manager, to manage the marketing related activities for our structural professional pest control business which includes the core brands of Gentrol, Precor, Essentria and more.
The Business Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans and managing the product life cycle for the assigned product portfolios to achieve overall company objectives. This role has ownership of all marketing efforts and activities, will champion projects and lead cross-functional teams to ensure execution. The Business Manager evaluates category trends and launches new products from concept to market. In addition, he/she will manage the day-to-day operations of the assigned product portfolios, including sales forecasting, product maintenance, social and digital presence and other market support activities.
The position will ideally be located in Schaumburg, IL and will report to the Sr. Director of Zoëcon Professional Products (ZPP). However, this role could be considered remote, home-office-based, with periodic trips to the Schaumburg location.
To learn more about Central Garden & Pet Company, and more specifically our Central Life Sciences business unit, please visit our various websites at www.central.com, www.centrallifesciences.com and www.zoecon.com.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Becomes an industry expert by understanding key product technical information and their markets
- Executes go-to market strategies and plans to achieve objectives for business unit
- Manages project timelines, anticipate deviations from plan, and proactively identify and recommend solutions
- Achieves annual business objectives goals of revenue, profit, and share growth
- Provides P&L management for the business, including sales forecasts, pricing strategies, identifying margin improvements, and monitoring marketing expenditures
- Leads cross-functional teams, including members from, but not limited to, Sales, Regulatory, Product Development, Operations, Purchasing, Finance, Advertising Agency, and Legal to achieve stated goals and key objectives
- Works with Pest Control Sales Director to communicate direction to field organization.
- Assists sales/account manager in preparing account development plans.
- Meets periodically with key pest control customers and distributors.
- Acts as an advocate for a positive work environment
- Inspires and motivates the professional growth and development of cross-functional team members for current and future roles within the organization.
Strategic Planning
- Develops market adoption strategies / tactics that achieve the highest market share adoption in the shortest time frame reflective of objectives for the pest control market.
- Gathers or supervises the collection of all relevant industry information, such as competitive, regulatory, technical, and other developments that affect the assigned product portfolios
- Maintains and refines information on competitive strategies, pricing, programs, and promotions
- Leads assessment of market trends, defines the core growth opportunities for each brand, develops and validates brand positioning
- Translates all relevant industry information into annual and long-range business plans
- Executes the integrated marketing communication plans that link corporate and product objectives to action plans that can be completed by utilizing approved resources
Product/Technology Development & Commercialization
- Evaluates market opportunities for new product ideas, providing financial justification
- Develops or refines product ideas and develops preliminary product profile
- Determines market research needs and develops plan to obtain information
- Participates in product development meetings providing continual guidance to project team through development process
- Provides guidance, information, and evaluation of acquisition/licensing initiatives
- Monitors EPA registration process, providing additional guidance, as needed
- Works with cross-functional teams to set-up new materials prior to product launches
- Develops business/marketing plan that defines:
- Projected sales volumes, cost of goods analysis and pricing recommendations
- Communications support needs and budgeting
- Packaging design and configuration
- Marketing research information and expected competitive response
Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Develops and refines product forecasts on continuing basis.
- Provides market insights and promotional plans to operations group to meet market needs.
- Communicates frequently with customer service to ensure that programs, terms, and policies are understood and clearly communicated to customers as needed.
Program & Communications Management
- Prepares channel and end-user programs in which incremental benefits are clearly defined.
- Ensures that programs have pricing committee approval and meet legal and ethical policy guidelines.
- Communicates pricing, programs, etc. to key distributor personnel.
- Serves as the key communicator with outside advertising agency and internal marketing services
- Presents annual business plans to advertising agency in preparation for the development of communication plans.
- Directs development of sales tools/materials to optimize impact of the sales organization that are on budget and schedule.
Industry Involvement
- Attends key industry functions, including conventions, seminars, and meetings.
- Maintains active involvement in industry associations, serving on association committees as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with EPA regulated products
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in professional pest control market
- Exceptional project management skills and experience leading cross-functional teams
- Experience working with ad agencies
- Proficient in analyzing/leveraging Sales and Financial data and persuasively presenting findings
- Experience presenting to management and sales organizations
- Experience in sales, working with distributors and internal sales teams
- Strong organizational and time management/prioritization skills
- Strong communication skills; written, oral and formal presentation
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Self-motivator able to deliver satisfactory work under limited supervision
- Periodic travel will be required (30% if located in Schaumburg office, 50% if remote)
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in entomology, chemistry, business management or related scientific degree required; an advanced degree is desirable
- 6 -8 plus years of product management experience
- 1-3 years of direct B2B sales experience
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position is based in a quiet, professional (but not stuffy!), corporate office environment. We have a corporate casual dress code and host celebratory activities throughout the year! Our office is located within the Schaumburg Corporate Center, which offers many amenities including an on-site fitness center, convenience center, deli-style restaurant, dry cleaners, hair salon, and covered parking.
BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Free Life and Disability Insurance
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
- Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to thousands of free online courses
- Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
- Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
- Referral Program with cash bonus
- Access to on-demand pay
- Paid parental leave
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2023 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries.
The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, K&H®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California and has 6,700 employees across North America and Europe. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, K&H®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California and has 6,700 employees across North America and Europe. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
#LI-CM1
Source : Central Garden & Pet