Quality, efficiency, and safety all play a big role in our work at Danone. Manufacturing the best products and supplying them to meet demand is a key driver for the Supply Chain team. We are currently looking to hire a Senior Manager, Customer Collaboration based in White Plains, NY or REMOTE (if on Central or Eastern Time zones). 

The Senior Manager, Customer Collaboration will be a contributor to profitable business growth by maximizing product availability and optimizing cost-to-serve through collaboration with assigned customers as well as internal cross functional partners. 

This position will cultivate and leverage internal and external relationships with the objective of optimizing supply chain processes which result in tangible improvements that differentiate Danone with our customers and shoppers.  The role will have accountability for understanding the specific needs of the assigned channels and leading solution development with customers that will drive volume, reduce waste/cost, and create sustainable competitive advantage.   

This position will be the central owner of supply chain collaboration with assigned customers as well as with internal partners including sales, distribution, transportation, manufacturing, finance, and supply chain planning.  Key deliverables will be focused on delivering service-based solutions, leading customer supply communications, driving growth and reducing cost to serve.

The base compensation range for this position is $115,000 - $140,000 commensurate with experience. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities:

• Connect and build relationships with customers’ Leadership Team, understand their business models, and influence key decision makers to initiate collaboration with Danone.
• Provide internal partners including Supply Chain and Sales leadership with insights and perspective on each customer’s operating model and opportunities to drive value while emphasizing customer-centricity.
• Lead the investigation and understanding of forecast-to-shelf supply chain processes with identified customers and diagnose opportunities for improvement and value creation.
• Utilize customer data to prepare and present recommendations that drive key sales initiatives (such as new item management, promotion execution, space, and assortment optimization, etc.)
• Design and deliver product flow solutions and process improvements which balance Danone’s investment/cost with increased sales and waste reduction. 
• Evaluate customer specific requests for supply chain services and align the value proposition with internal partners.
• Partner with order management and analytics teams to build a robust and complete understanding of each customer’s operation.
• Own the supply chain collaboration process by cultivating the match between each customer’s operating strategy and Danone’s internal capabilities.
• Deliver targeted KPIs with assigned Division as determined by supply chain priorities; regularly report progress to leadership.
• Provide Customer Collaboration Team direction and thought leadership with Customers, Sales, and D2D Partners
• Lead and inspire a team of Customer Collaboration professionals in performance management and oversight of all deliverables for the Division; Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Preferred Candidate Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Supply Chain or similar with minimum of 10 years of related work experience
• Ability to travel 20-30% of time
• Understanding of Supply Chain and retail channel knowledge

•Ability to develop strategic partnerships with key stakeholders at assigned customers

• Demonstrated ability to lead within cross-functional teams
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills and salesmanship
• Ability to maneuver strategically through the organization to get the job done
• Self-motivated and results oriented.
• Technical proficiency desired in Microsoft Office Suite, SAP
● Ability to be a team leader of Customer Collaboration direct reports

Non-Essential Qualifications:
• Refrigerated and / or perishable supply chain experience
• Familiarity with supply chain best practices in other industries
• Knowledge of customer behavior & related inefficiencies