Senior Strategic Customer Business Manager – National Grocery & Retail Partnerships, Remote (US) – Driving Growth, Analytics, and Category Leadership

About brighthush

brighthush is a pioneering force in the pet‑care sector, blending science, sustainability, and heartfelt innovation to create products that deepen the bond between pets and their families. With a heritage that stretches back more than a century, we have earned a reputation for uncompromising quality, forward‑thinking sustainability, and a relentless commitment to enhancing the lives of animals and the people who love them. Our diverse, talented team fuels this mission, bringing fresh ideas, genuine passion, and a collaborative spirit to every project.

We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace where every voice is heard and every contribution matters. Whether you collaborate onsite or work remotely, you’ll find a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. At brighthush, your impact extends far beyond our walls – you help shape the future of pet care and drive meaningful change for pets and their families.

Why Join brighthush?

• Remote Flexibility: Work from the comfort of your home office across a wide range of U.S. states (AR, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA).
• Competitive Compensation: Base salary range $100,000–$120,000, plus a 20% sales incentive bonus opportunity.
• Comprehensive Benefits: 401(k) match with immediate vesting, generous paid time off (up to 34 days), parental, bereavement, and military leave, full medical/dental/vision coverage, FSA, mental health EAP, basic life and disability insurance.
• Career Growth & Learning: Tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs, leadership development, and access to industry conferences.
• Impactful Work: Drive aggressive sales growth, shape category strategy, and influence the future of pet care products.

Role Overview

As the Senior Strategic Customer Business Manager at brighthush, you will be the linchpin between our brand and the largest grocery and retail partners in the United States. You will oversee the end‑to‑end management of the brighthush account (across all divisions), our flagship product lines, and our distributor partnership network. Your analytical acumen, negotiation prowess, and relationship‑building skills will be critical in translating data into actionable business plans that drive sales, optimize trade spend, and ensure flawless retail execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sales & Business Planning:
  • Set and achieve sales targets for overall territory, customer, and category within approved trade spend budgets.
  • Develop, monitor, and continually refine annual business plans for assigned accounts, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
  • Analyze point‑of‑sale (POS) and syndicated data to uncover trends, insights, and risks, and translate findings into actionable strategies.
  • Communicate findings through performance reports to internal teams and account replenishment partners, fostering data‑driven decision making.
  • Use data to update and adjust customer business plans dynamically, ensuring responsiveness to market shifts.
  • Identify opportunities for category and line reviews, crafting compelling selling stories to secure new business and expand distribution.
  • Ensure retail margins and promotions align with brand strategy, including shelf positioning and promotional compliance.
  • Forecast customer events and plan for seasonal demand, coordinating with supply chain to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Account & Relationship Management:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key account stakeholders and broker partners, becoming the trusted advisor for all brighthush initiatives.
  • Collaborate closely with internal Brand and Customer Planning teams to pinpoint significant opportunities and develop joint action plans.
  • Develop and implement strategies and programs that generate profitable incremental sales, including new product launches, promotional campaigns, and category expansions.
  • Convey account strategies and goals to the brighthush team, ensuring alignment across functions and driving cross‑functional execution.
  • Represent brighthush at industry events, trade shows, and internal sales/marketing meetings, showcasing our brand’s vision and value proposition.
• Operations & Administration:
  • Manage administrative tasks: price change forms, deductions, and selling and planning schedules, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
  • Ensure accurate and timely data entry into brighthush systems, maintaining data integrity across all platforms.
  • Coordinate with finance and supply chain to resolve pricing and inventory issues, mitigating risk and ensuring seamless execution.
  • Oversee the execution of promotional calendars, ensuring compliance with retailer requirements and brand guidelines.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or 5+ years of direct sales experience in lieu of a degree).
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing national grocery headquarters accounts, with a proven track record of setting and delivering a growth agenda.
• Experience with category management, fact‑based selling, and data‑driven decision making.
• Strong negotiation skills and a history of closing deals and expanding account lists.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and familiarity with retail analytics platforms.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% as needed to meet with key stakeholders and attend industry events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with brighthush systems and vendor applications.
• Pet care industry knowledge, including an understanding of regulatory and sustainability trends.
• Advanced analytical tools proficiency (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or similar data visualization platforms).
• Experience managing distributor partnerships and navigating multi‑channel retail ecosystems.

Skills & Competencies

• Data Analysis & Interpretation – Turning complex data sets into clear, actionable insights.
• Strategic Planning & Execution – Crafting long‑term plans that align with business goals.
• Relationship Management & Stakeholder Engagement – Building trust with internal and external partners.
• Negotiation & Deal Closure – Securing favorable terms that drive profitability.
• Presentation & Storytelling – Communicating complex concepts in a compelling, concise manner.
• Project Management & Cross‑Functional Collaboration – Leading initiatives across teams.
• Adaptability & Problem Solving – Navigating ambiguity and delivering solutions under pressure.
• Customer‑Centric Mindset – Prioritizing the needs of retailers and end‑customers alike.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, we believe in nurturing talent and providing clear pathways for advancement. As a Senior Strategic Customer Business Manager, you will:

• Gain exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision‑making, positioning you for future executive roles.
• Participate in leadership development programs and mentorship initiatives, accelerating your professional growth.
• Lead cross‑functional projects that impact product development, marketing, and supply chain, broadening your skill set.
• Earn certifications in sales, data analytics, and project management through our tuition reimbursement program.
• Progress to roles such as Senior Account Manager, Director of Retail Partnerships, or Head of Category Strategy, with a clear trajectory for advancement.

Work Environment & Culture

brighthush champions a culture of collaboration, innovation, and transparency. Our remote‑first approach empowers you to work from anywhere while staying connected through:

• Weekly virtual team huddles and monthly all‑hands meetings, ensuring alignment and shared purpose.
• Digital collaboration tools (Slack, Teams, Asana) that facilitate real‑time communication and project tracking.
• Regular virtual coffee chats and informal networking sessions, fostering community and camaraderie.
• Access to a digital library of resources, webinars, and industry reports, supporting continuous learning.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive total rewards package designed to attract and retain top talent:

• Base Salary: $100,000–$120,000, commensurate with experience.
• Incentive Bonus: 20% sales incentive based on performance metrics.
• 401(k) Match: 100% match up to 6% of salary with immediate vesting.
• Paid Time Off: Up to 34 days of PTO annually, plus holidays.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, FSA, and mental health EAP.
• Life & Disability: Basic life insurance and short/long‑term disability coverage.
• Parental & Family Leave: Paid parental leave, bereavement leave, and military leave.
• Learning & Development: Tuition reimbursement, leadership training, and conference attendance.
• Other Perks: Flexible work hours, wellness stipend, and employee referral bonus.

How to Apply

Ready to take the next step in your career and make a tangible impact on the pet care industry? Click the link below to submit your application and join the brighthush team.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

brighthush is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.