Customer Development Manager - Independants

Job Description

Job Description:

Mars: Where your Tomorrow Starts Today!

Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We’re behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, ECLIPSE®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, DOLMIO®, BEN’S ORIGINAL ® MASTERFOODS ® and ROYAL CANIN® ORIJEN® ACANA® we are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.

Join us in building a sustainable future where people, communities, and the future generations can truly thrive.

About the role: This role will be working for our Mars Wrigley segment. You’ll drive profitable sales growth by leading business plans, managing P&L, and building strong customer and stakeholder relationships to deliver optimized trade performance and sustainable, mutually beneficial growth.

Role Title: State Account manager or as we would call you Customer Development Manager – Independents
Location: Melbourne, however, noting travel will be required with customers based in VIC/NSW and QLD.
Hours: Full time, permanent role
Reporting to: National Account Manager or as we call them Customer Development Leader - Independents

What you’ll do:

• Drive growth across some of Australia’s most iconic independent retailers—owning strategy, plans, and performance across Foodworks, Ritchies, Cornetts and the Metcash state offices in VIC, NSW and QLD.
• Turn customer and market insights into shopper-centric plans that spark mutual growth and outsmart competitors.
• Lead winning customer solutions—from assortment and merchandising to pricing, promo and new product launches—making sure every plan lands with impact.
• Own forecasting with precision, continuously improving how we read demand and signal supply.
• Build powerful cross-functional partnerships, teaming up with Customer Marketing and the Independents team to shape strategy and deliver standout results.
• Manage customer P&L and trade investment with confidence, ensuring smooth day-to-day execution and long-term sustainable growth.

Your unique ingredients:

• Preferably degree qualified, or with equivalent experience.
• Strong Sales experience, preferably managing customers within the Independents channel for other FMCG businesses.
• Ability to influence cross-functionally and build effective customer relationships
• Fluent understanding of forecasting, Nielsen and trade spend management
• The aspiration to continue to grow your career with Mars, this role is designed as a stepping stone into our more senior trading roles within the Sales team.

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.
• 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 all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, 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.

We know everyone’s needs are different, and we’re committed to making our application process accessible and supportive for all candidates. If you require any adjustments along the way, simply let us know in your application form. We’ll work with you to understand what will help you feel comfortable and supported.

Mars has a two week shutdown over the holiday season. Please note that responses on applications may be delayed during this time, but our recruitment team will come back to you as quickly as we can before or after the break.