Job Description:
Role Title: Customer Development Leader – Aldi & Dollarama
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Hours: Full-time
Segment: Mars Petcare
Reporting to: Corporate Grocery Director
About the role:
Reporting to the Corporate Grocery Director, Pet Nutrition you will be the key architect of our strategic partnership with these globally significant grocery customers. In this role, you will lead the charge in driving growth across our existing branded portfolio while simultaneously identifying, developing, and executing high-impact Private Label opportunities.
This is a cross-functional, highly visible role that requires balancing the fast-paced demands of Aldi & Dollarama with the strategic processes of Mars Petcare. You will serve as the internal champion for these accounts, connecting with global Mars counterparts to share best practices, leverage our scale, and unlock mutual growth.
What you’ll do:
Strategic Partnership & Branded Growth
- Drive JBPs: Establish and lead the Joint Business Plan (JBP) with Aldi and Dollarama to drive long-term growth.
- Cultivate Relationships: Be the primary relationship owner, building deep partnerships across buying and operational teams to unlock mutual opportunities.
- Optimise Portfolio: Lead the branded range review process, utilising category insights and data to optimise shelf presence and grow market share.
Private Label Strategy & Execution
- End-to-End Delivery: Identify, develop, and execute all Private Label opportunities from initial concept to launch.
- Tender Management: Lead the complete tender process for Private Label contracts, partnering with R&D, Supply, and Finance to deliver winning proposals.
- Project Leadership: Act as the internal project lead for Aldi-specific product development, ensuring all commercial and timeline objectives are met.
Operational & Financial Management
- Deliver Financial Targets: Own full accountability for GSV, NSV, and Trade Investment (TI) targets across both accounts (Branded and Private Label).
- S&OP Forecasting: Own the complete demand forecast within the S&OP process, navigating the complexities of both promotional and Private Label volumes.
- Commercial Discipline: Ensure exceptional operational and financial rigor, managing trade spend, pricing, and contract administration.
What you’ll bring:
- CPG/FMCG Sales Experience: 3-5+ years of account management or sales experience within the FMCG/CPG sector.
- Private Label Expertise: Proven direct experience in Private Label / Own Brand product development and tender management.
- Grocery Account Management: Demonstrated success managing a major national or global grocery account, with the ability to successfully navigate complex customer structures.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Exceptional project leadership skills, with a track record of driving complex projects involving R&D, Supply Chain, and Finance.
- Advanced Financial Acumen: Strong commercial sharpness, with deep expertise in product costing, margin analysis, negotiation, and trading terms.
- Resilience & Adaptability: A highly resilient individual who thrives in fast-paced retail environments and can effectively align customer speed with internal Mars processes.
Why you’ll love working for Mars:
- Purpose: Help craft beloved brands with a legacy of over 100 years of local manufacturing making products that people and pets will love all while helping to build a more sustainable future.
- People: A culture that values your contributions, fosters leadership, and recognises the impact you make. Your work truly matters here.
- Development: Shape your career with personalised development and real opportunities to grow from day one.
- Wellbeing: Enjoy a team and business environment that is invested in helping you manage and grow your energy for work and life.
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.
