Flagship Event Manager
Flagship EM Program is designed to grow the future leaders of CDS, who will be the succession plan for future District Managers vacancies. This program is for high-performing, ambitious sales-focused Operators who are ready to lead the future of demo and experiential business, representing CDS in high visibility locations. The Flagship EM will drive future business strategies and be a hub for piloting new company initiatives. They will hone their understanding of our business, be more strategic in planning and execution, and will be customer “experience” focused (for Costco, their Members and our Vendors), and will collaborate across our business units to grow our business, demonstrating best in class.
Advantage Sales and Marketing LLC dba Advantage Solutions is one of North America’s leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. Advantage Solutions services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.
Responsibilities
Mirror partner ethos in operations and customer service
Ensure operating procedures of the flagship location follow high standards of food safety and customer service excellence
Design, organize and execute all aspects of daily operations with strong attention to detail
Negotiate optimal placement of demonstration cart
Develop and maintain close working relationships with partner and head office teams
Direct all activities in creating successful demonstrations
Select sales advisors and pair them appropriately to events
Coach sales advisors on engagement, performance and sample availability
Drive future business strategies and serve as a hub for piloting new company initiatives
Follow all food safety and health and safety protocols
Ensure best equipment for execution of events
Achieve defined sales objectives through event activations
Prepare daily sales goals and coach teams on how to achieve results
Discuss cart placement strategy with partner leadership
Collaborate with sales team on recipe ideas, special events and experiential calendar
Organize and support partner and head office activations or events
Support maintenance and ongoing development of corporate governance framework
Ensure team follows corporate policies and procedures
Model company values
Train new event managers on site or at other locations as required
Contribute to succession planning for district manager role
Cover territory during district manager absence
Qualifications
Education Requirements: Associate degree or bachelor’s degree (preferred)
Experience Requirements: 4–6 years experience in relevant field
Travel requirement: Some travel expected
Supervisor Responsibility
Direct Reports: Hires, retains, trains, coaches, guides, directs, and develops direct reports using company-wide processes, tools and resources
Indirect Reports: May delegate work of others and provide guidance, direction and mentoring to indirect reports
Required Knowledge and Skills
College diploma or university degree, or equivalent years of experience
Computer skills and ability to learn new applications quickly
Presentation skills
Ability to work independently and prioritize with minimal supervision to meet deadlines
Flexible and adaptable to a high-pressure, changing environment
High attention to detail
Experience as a team leader with ability to direct, coach and handle sensitive human resource issues
Conflict management skills
Ability to work with changing schedule on occasion as required
Job Will Remain Open Until Filled