Key Responsibilities
•    Drive revenue growth with acceptable EBIT performance.
•    Leadership role in pricing strategies.
•    Drive new customer acquisition.
•    Drive planning process for the strategic growth of the business.
•    Responsible for leading the development and implementation of continuous improvement strategies and tactics that meet established goals and objectives for improved and cost effective operations and meeting sales goals.
•    Lead sales and distribution planning and financial processes.
•    Develop business performance goals, i.e. EBITDA, RONCA (Return on Net Controllable Assets)
•    Provide effective objectives, rewards and motivation process for all direct reports
•    Establish and manage key relationships with vendors and proprietary brands
•    Drive culture and results through management team development, training, and talent acquisition
•    Analyze operating results on a continuous basis relative to established objectives and ensure that appropriate steps are taken to correct unsatisfactory results.
•    Partner with Supply Chain leader to develop an effective and appropriate distribution network model.
•    Provide direction and support to 9 direct reports in the areas of purchasing, distribution, accounting, and sales/marketing.

Experience / Skills / Education
•    An undergraduate degree in Business Management/related fields of study is required, with an MBA or advanced degree preferred.
•    A minimum of fifteen years of successful experience in a fast-paced CPG Sales and Marketing environment with additional years of General Management experience with full P & L responsibility
•    Fifteen+ years consumer package goods sales leadership experience in serving national and regional retail customers in complex distribution channels.
•    Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a general management role that emphasizes creativity, innovation, change management, an entrepreneurial spirit, results orientation, overachievement in performance and teamwork
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills including ability to interface with all levels as well as represent the business to major customers or industry associations
•    Proven analytical skills, financial business acumen, and mature judgment
•    Must be able to demonstrate exceptional leadership and facilitation skills and can consistently make factual based business decisions.

Working Conditions
•    Office, distribution facility, and retail environments with frequent use of cell phone/blackberry, PC, and office equipment
•    Business travel to meetings, facilities in Sacramento, Portland, Walnut Creek (CA), Santa Fe Springs (CA), Dallas, Mahwah (NJ), Tampa (FL), and retailers, suppliers, and vendors as business requires. Approximately 35% to 50% + travel should be expected during initial year.

Central Garden & Pet is an Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action Employer

- 10 - 15 yrs Middle Market and/or Business Banking Lending experience.

- Strong credit skills - Formal Credit Training

- Previous Financial Advisory experience a Plus

- Series 7 and 66 required (will support if not have)

- Leader among peers in new business development

Go Global Or Get Left Behind  

Ready take on the world   Leading Global Telecom Company looking for Enterprise Sales Executives interested in earning 200K + within 2 years.  

Don’t get left behind!  Do you have telecom experience   You are so lucky! Why

Leading NYSE company recently featured in Investors Business Daily as the “bright spot within the telecom industry” is currently hiring Enterprise Sales Executives. 

Wall Street experts project that the industry will continue to grow significantly over the long term.

 What’s in it for you

• Uncapped Commission Plan




• Strong Base Salary


• Global Industry




• A+ Benefits- Company Pays All Premiums




• Industry Leading Name Behind You




• Sales Execs in Year 2 Earn Up to $150K - 200K

Requirements

• Current ENTERPRISE Rolodex - a MUST!


• Previous Fortune 1000 Sales Experience


• Skill Set: MPLS, Transit, IP-VPN, WAN




• Record of Success in Consultative Sales


• 4-10 Years B2B Sales Experience


• Documented Accomplishments




• C-Level




• Top 10%


• Stable - No Job Hoppers




• Hunting - High Activity Sales Background




• 4 Year Degree a Plus

Companies Preferred: Global Crossing, Verizon Business, AT&T, Level 3 Communications, Qwest, KDDI, XO Communications, Orange, BT, Sprint Business

All submissions are confidential

•    5 years minimum experience as the Senior Account Lead (VP or Account Director) for a reputable Ad Agency or Marketing Firm

•    A Dynamic Team Player that can wear many hats and be counted on to personally manage multiple projects

•    Must have extremely high intelligence at the level of a Senior Strategist at a leading business consulting firm
•    Expert Level Advertising and Marketing Experience
•    Expert with Brand Development and Positioning

•    Expert at Developing, Selling and Executing Integrate Marketing/Advertising Programs for large clients
•    Expert at high Metrics-Based Digital, Traditional and Alternative

Advertising program ideation and execution
•    Extensive experience writing high-level strategic proposals,

marketing communications plans and the ability to sell those plans through to C-level

•    Experience making high level presentations to C-level marketing professionals
•    Reputation for being the best in the firm - track record of closing

and keeping most business in agency
•    Incredible Desire to be the very best at what you do
•    High Energy Individual that subordinates will rally behin

•    Live in the San Francisco Bay Area
•    Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business, or commensurate

experience

Professional and Personal Qualities:
•    High Energy and Dynamic individual who subordinates and peers can

rally behind
•    Independent Thinker/ Self-Starter
•    Very Organized/ Meticulous/ Great Attention to Details (compulsive

about it)
•    Believes beauty is in the details and that precise execution of work

is paramount
•    Passion for Outrageous Customer Service
•    Passion to Exceed Expectations for clients, bosses and subordinates
•    Passion for Excellence in Everything you do
•    Exceptional oral and written communication skills
•    Take Ownership and Responsibility work style
•    Expert in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel (including complex

formulas)

Job Duties Include:
•    Lead Agency Pitches to Prospective Clients and Grow Agency Top

line Revenue and EBITA
•    Write In-Depth, Very Strategic, Metrics Based Proposals
•    Develop and Articulate In-Depth, Very Strategic Integrated

Marketing Programs
•    Write Exceptional, Comprehensive Creative Briefs
•    Meticulously Execute and Manage every communication element of

Advertising and Marketing
•    Passionately Service Existing Clients and New Clients
•    Be heavily engaged in all client relationships, all client projects and

ensure performance level of “exceeds expectations” for all client

relationships
•    Actively seek additional projects/new business from client contacts
•    Effectively present, sell and defend all agency work/proposals to

clients. Support other client service team members
•    Work with Creative Team to develop the very best, strategically

aligned creative
•    Coordinate project timing and budgets with all relevant agency

personnel.
•    Check and approve creative/production materials, copy, layouts, and

production art, and coordinate client approval
•    Compulsively manage all agency personnel, agency processes, and

ensure highest attention to details
•    Meticulously run day to day operations of a full service Integrated

Ad Agency
•    Manage existing agency employees
•    Hire and groom new agency employees as needed

The Vice President of Growth Initiatives partners with the CEO and executive team to develop and implement aggressive growth initiatives across the Company’s markets and brands, through new and related businesses, and potential acquisitions.  The resulting initiatives will drive growth through market expansion of new products and categories, and the ability to leverage brand strength to increase market share. This leadership position reports directly to the CEO.

Please see our web site for company information: www.central.com

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads development of a roadmap for short and long-term growth, with expected target of doubling company revenue in 3-5 years, primarily through organic growth and secondarily through acquisitions.

• Assesses competitive landscape to identify new businesses, markets, channels, and products that will add significant top line growth and bottom line profitability.

• Conducts market research and analyzes trends to capitalize on business opportunities that maximize mid and long-term growth.

• Utilizes market data, consumer research, customer insights, sales data, and competitive intelligence to identify needs in the market that support the expansion and customization of existing products, the introduction of new products, and customer segmentation initiatives that drive sales and create new revenue streams. 

• Performs or directs feasibility study processes to determine potential entry strategy into expansion markets.

• Partners with field marketing, sales and operations teams to generate and harness internal innovation, explore and evaluate ideas to assess potentially larger growth opportunities, and assess ability to integrate new growth opportunities into existing organization.

• Translates critical and complex opportunities into actionable plans and provides oversight to ensure plans are implemented.

• Links corporate brand building activities and product development activities with merchandising, product and retail activities across all market segments and channels.

• Works cross-functionally to expand and nurture a culture of growth and innovation within Central.

SKILLS

• Successful track record of developing and executing significant growth initiatives involving expansion into new markets, product and channel development.

• A minimum of 10 years experience including leadership roles, branded consumer products development, project management, market research, and qualitative and quantitative analysis.

• Demonstrated experience initiating and building relationships with executive teams and cross-functionally; ability to act as a thought partner with CEO as well as foster collaboration with others.

• Proven work history of being able to make decisions from concepts, translate incoming data into action plans, measure results, and quickly adapt to rapidly changing marketplace while working independently or with a limited staff.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including strong interpersonal and influencing skills; ability to coach, and develop business communications.

• Successful candidate will be highly analytical, driven, flexible, and able to work with some ambiguity, quick to respond, and have acute attention to detail.

• Must be results driven, action oriented, and able to get things done effectively.

• Minimum of Bachelors Degree in business, marketing, or related field; Masters Degree strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office, warehouse, and manufacturing environments


• Frequent use of computer and phones


• Some travel required

Central Garden & Pet is an Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action Employer

Individual will be a key contributor in the New Solutions Groups in ACA leading the exploration, identification and realization / delivery of breakthrough / new product solutions driving extraordinary value for AAA /ACA partner clubs and their members.  (Ideal area of experience will be Telematics, Wireless, Telecom etc)

Individual’s strategic focus will be to serve as the evangelist and catalyst for breakthrough solution development, working closely with the Executive and the cross functional teams to develop a compelling vision for the solution and to execute, measure, and adjust the product strategy, roadmap and development path accordingly.

A consummate product, innovation evangelist, and thought leader, individual will work with internal/external functional groups, thought leaders and alliance partners to meet the above objectives. He/she will drive product strategy as well as new solutions development processes for these breakthrough solutions by leading a cross functional matrixed team across ACA partner clubs.

This position will lead and manage the following tactical activities and will work with cross functional teams to ensure that these deliverables are met:

•     New Solution/Product innovation concept exploration (generation, intake, idea distribution)

•     Solution / Market / Product research

•     Define solution and Product strategy

•     Direct the business case development with Finance and others as appropriate 

•     Determine product/solution roadmap and portfolio if applicable

•     Lead and direct cross-functional core teams to ensure product/solution development is on-track, on-budget, manage           and escalate issues as necessary 

•     Determine and drive Product launch strategies and tactics

•     Work with Technology teams and Technology Manager ensuring technology needs /solution support are met

•     Drive and develop solutions’ customer and functional requirements and features

•     Drive overall planning for solution exploration and delivery including team resource planning, workload distribution as well as project plans to ensure solution exploration and delivery

•    Plan Drive and develop solutions’ customer and functional requirements and features

•     Drive market sizing and target market acquisition potential

•     Drive and ensure business system requirements are developed (working with technical and systems teams)

•     Drive and ensure solutions’ systems and technology requirements are defined, developed (working with technology manager and technical teams)

•     Drive and ensure appropriate product pricing working with x-functional teams

•     Define and drive solution testing

•     Drive and manage solution / product launch (until handoff to business line teams as and if applicable)  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Innovative, entrepreneurial and solution evangelical outlook and mindset a must


• High energy, detail-orientation, initiative and an interest in and comfort with technology required as well as ability to manage through change


• Bachelors degree or equivalent, advanced education preferred (e.g. MBA)


• 7-10+ years of progressively more responsible experience within solution / product development, preferably with experience developing breakthrough and/or radical innovation


• Depth in a specific functional area that is critical to development of innovative solutions such as business development, sales and market management, product management, or technology development


• Strategic thought leadership, deep understanding of stage and breakthrough product development methodologies, product life cycle frameworks, gathering and analyzing input from focus groups/customers


• Superior collaboration and leadership skills to influence executive and teams directly and indirectly; work with cross functional teams and executive team to deliver solution set


• Preferred experience in partner and vendor interaction to accelerate and augment product development and go-to-market velocity.  Alliance management a plus


• Demonstrated leadership abilities through successes in prior supervisory/management positions.


• Ability to manage multiple complex projects at a time (depending on size and complexity)


• Ability to synthesize large quantities of information from a wide variety of sources in order to formulate a concrete product offering from all of these previously seemingly unrelated bits of data, notions and early stage ideas.


• Excellent at utilizing leadership tools such as clear goal setting, relationship building, communication and motivation to develop and encourage cross functional teams to work at the top of their abilities so as to leverage all of their collective skills and expertise toward the best possible outcome for the customer.


• Excellent presentation and communication skills to positively influence, gain support for, and keep executive leadership apprised of, ongoing and projected key milestones

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT) , a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products for the lawn & garden  and pet supplies markets, is searching for a Vice President Sales to join its Pet Division.

Reporting to the President of the Pet Division, this position will lead the major selling customer organizations for Wal-Mart, PetSmart, Petco and the Food/Drug/Mass segments.  This role will also provide customer and sales expertise to our several independent sales organizations which are currently based in the business units.  The position reports directly to the Pet Division President with four Customer Vice Presidents as direct reports.  Key to the success of this position will be the ability to provide leadership to the sales organization resulting in improved customer service and more rapid sales growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Improving performance of the sales organization – both revenue and margin through the use of well articulated customer plans that include distribution, shelving, merchandising and planning




• Develop sales performance goals and provide for effective measurement and reward/motivation process and meet all goals and objectives




• Lead growth and improvement of business profitability and asset management by focusing sales efforts on the largest customers




• Develop sales strategies and tactics to increase branded sales, market share, revenue and profits




• Improve strategic positioning of products




• Lead planning process and establish strategic objective with corporate and business unit leaders




• Develop senior level key customer connectivity




• Drive sales operation synergy opportunities across businesses, where and when appropriate




• Provide leadership to direct reports and act as coach to further their skills development




• Ensure sales and marketing strategy coordination across common customer base




• Play an integral leadership role within the Pet Executive Team




• Attract, develop and build a talented team.  It will be necessary to assess, development and upgrade aspects of the sales management and sales teams

Experiences/Skills/Education

• Minimum undergraduate degree in business or marketing is required, with an M.B.A. strongly preferred




• Strong interpersonal skills, good judgment and the capability to communicate effectively to a diverse range of individuals




• Broad functional experience in areas of strategic planning and marketing, business and market development, market research and planning, and promotion/advertising




• Leadership skills necessary to drive profitable growth in a pet consumer products business at the billion dollar plus level, with goal of doubling the business in three years




• Minimum 15 years successful experience in a fast-paced consumer packaged goods sales and marketing environment




• Demonstrated experience in serving national retail customers in complex channels including superstores, food, mass, and smaller independent stores




• Ability to operate effectively in a sales management role that emphasizes creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit




• Strong strategic and marketing skills with broad-based experience in marketing/sales, customer service, distribution, finance, manufacturing and operations




• Previous experience in the acquisition and integration process resulting in new products and businesses with positive earning results




• Strong analytical sales skills versus a relationship only set of skills




• Sponsorship for new product development with business unit presidents




• Previous product launch negotiation skills and the ability to develop relationships with the retail customers, resulting in strong retail partnerships




• Excellent communication skills including the ability to interface with all levels of the company and represent the company to major customers and industry associations.




• Strong numerical and analytical skills with the ability to translate into actions and the ability to utilize fact based selling techniques




• Must have personal integrity and a solid results orientation.




• Must be a strong pragmatic leader who can sell himself/herself to the customer base.




• Must treat people right and care about how people are treated.




• A high-energy, bottom-line, collaborative, self-starting leader who is capable of leading management and motivating them toward success  

Central Garden & Pet is an Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action Employer

Position Summary:

This exciting new position will play a key role in the growth and expansion of business services and product offerings at a large telecommunications company. The individual in this role is primarily responsible for the sale of Internet, High Capacity Data, Video, and Voice based services to mid-size and large businesses. Working as part of a team, this individual will be responsible for driving sales using an array of prospecting activities, and will design and deliver live sales presentations to prospective business clients. This role will develop relationships with individual businesses and the community, and will position our brand as key components of the sales strategy. Ongoing cultivation of relationships with customers after the sale is closed will be critical to ensure ongoing satisfaction.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Sell Commercial Internet, High Capacity Data, Video and Voice services to mid-size and large businesses. As part of sales process, create and deliver face-to-face sales presentations that demonstrate knowledge of the latest products and services.  Promote the sale of bundled products to ensure the optimal solution for the customer.   Sell with goal of exceeding departmental financial and unit targets. Stay abreast of competitive landscape and emerging technologies to best position our company in the marketplace.  

Develop sales territory, including cultivation of local business partnerships and organizational affiliations. Actively generate new leads with targeted businesses through various prospecting activities, including cold calling, canvassing, customer referrals, and partner relationships.  Actively seek ways to promote and position our brand within territory.

Retain customer base by ensuring a superior customer experience. Maintain and build customer relationship to drive customer retention, working with internal teams to ensure our operational efficiencies and service levels meet and exceed customer expectations.

Maintain accurate and quality sales records and prepare sales and activity reports as required.

Minimum Qualifications for Hire:

• Proven track record of success in telecommunications sales preferred, including 5 or more years of business-to-business outside sales experience


• Preferred experience with Internet Technologies, Functionality & Services, Voice Network Technologies (including VoIP), Data Networking Technologies, Functionality & Services (LAN, MAN, WAN, VPN), Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery concepts

• Self starter with excellent time management and business sales skills.


• Excellent verbal and written communicator, with strong presentation skills


• Strong persuasive abilities and negotiating skills.


• Results driven with focus on goal achievement


• Strong customer service orientation with excellent follow up


• Technical aptitude and strong knowledge of computers and the Internet


• Proficient in MS Excel, MS Word


• Must be a team player, able to handle ambiguity, anticipate and react to changes quickly in a fast paced environment.


• B.A. or B.S. Degree preferably in Business or Sales and Marketing, or the equivalent in work experience.

The role of the Enterprise Strategic Planning Executive is to be the focal point for the enterprise-wide strategic plan.  In this capacity, this position will work closely with the senior leadership team and business units throughout the year to develop company objectives, develop strategic plans, and identify company strengths and weaknesses in order to achieve business opportunities for growth and financial profitability.

This position analyzes external forces (markets; regulatory environment; competitors, etc.), as well as our internal capability, and recommends a course of action to adapt to these external forces. This role facilitates a process with senior leadership (and the board) to define:

• Our company’s market position




• What our trade-offs will be




• How we’ll achieve a competitive advantage while preserving that which is unique about our company.

Responsibilities:

Framework for thinking about strategy:

• Work closely with the senior leadership team to drive the strategic planning process in the development of long-range strategic plans, the identification of organization strengths and weaknesses, and business opportunities




• Evaluate, plan and develop organization policies as well as growth and structural program objectives




• A process for turning strategic thinking into strategic plans




• Conduct special studies for top management in areas such as the organization’s operational effectiveness, capacity utilization, operating cost containment




• Identify and benchmark the appropriate metrics to use in evaluating our businesses and compile strategic planning ‘fact base’




• Analyze customer and competitive research and identify industry trends




• Prepare, analyze, and monitors budget requests to identify areas in which reductions can be made, and allocates operating budget




• Analyze and identify business opportunities to increase market share and obtain competitive advantage




• Coordinate activities among multiple departments, such as insurance / membership products and services, sales, marketing and performance management, to effect operational efficiency and economy and to ensure consistency in organization’s long-term planning




• Recommend action to be taken including major capital expenditures




• Coordinate with Finance in order to ensure smooth hand-off to operational planning




• Based on all inputs, develop clear, simple, easily understood integrated strategy options

Sample outcomes:

The position delivers three things to the organization:

• a well-understood framework for thinking about strategy,




• a process for turning strategic thinking into strategic plans




• the actual strategic plan including statements of strategic intent and specific goals (this plan and goals is produced at least annually)

Problem Solving:

• Strategic decisions




• Tactical recommendations




• Degree of independent decision making




• Ambiguous circumstances in which decisions are made.




• Difficult and complex issues that impact major functions of business.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Highly credible and comfortable working directly with senior leaders and AAA board of directors.




• Ability to lead and direct the work of others.




• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.




• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of people across the enterprise.




• Knowledge and understanding of the concepts, processes, and requirements for strategic planning.




• Knowledge of current and emerging internal and external issues impacting the operational environment of the enterprise.




• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.




• Conflict resolution and/or mediation skills.




• Knowledge of budgeting and funding procedures, standards, and documentation requirements.




• Ability to identify, evaluate, and accurately assess the viability of strategic opportunities available to the enterprise.

 Education and Certifications/Licenses

• MBA or equivalent experience

Knowledge

• 10+ years experience in related industry




• Experience in strategy consulting with a McKinsey, BCG, Monitor, or similar top-tier strategy consulting firm




•  5+ years in a management position

Join a NASDAQ listed Leader in the Medical Industry!  Be a part of a company that is consistently leading its field and achieving impressive double digit revenue and earnings increases.  

What’s in it for you:

Strong salary and bonus structure, cell phone, laptop, company car, excellent benefits package, home office set-up and much more. Generous 1st Year guarantee.

Requirements

•  5+ Years Medical Sales Experience

•  Spinal Device experience a Plus

•  OR Experience a MUST

•  Top 10% and/or Presidents Club a MUST (documented)

•  Stable Job History

•  Bachelors Degree

Preferred Experience: Medtronic, J&J (non-pharmaceutical), Kyphon, Stryker, Quest Diagnostics, ADP, Konica, IKON, Cintas, AT&T Wireless

Background

AAA is the unsurpassed leader in the “Peace of Mind” business.  Serving over 4.3MM in California, Nevada and Utah for over 100 years, AAA has extremely high brand awareness (+98%) and retains almost 9 out of 10 members every year.  As an industry leader, AAA is continually looking to improve its products and services to increase relevance and to differentiate itself from a growing sea of competitors.  An opportunity exists to leverage the strong Brand Equity & member loyalty to build a stronger product portfolio.

The Opportunity

The Membership Product Executive opportunity with AAA is a chance to leverage the equity in this well known brand to significant new levels of membership and sales in a very competitive market.  While AAA is primarily known for its flagship Emergency Road Service, Maps, In-Branch DMV and Discounts, Membership benefits also include a number of lesser known services with tremendous potential to drive growth; these include financial products, automotive maintenance and repair offerings and Lifestyle product solutions. 

Senior management believes that with the right focus & product management expertise, the product portfolio has significant potential to deliver substantial revenue & profit growth, to increase membership retention and to attract new members to AAA.

The Membership Product Strategy Executive is responsible for developing a compelling value proposition for segments critical to AAA’s future, integrating products and services from AAA business lines, partnerships, and service channels into a coherent product portfolio that will create, develop, and sustain lifetime relationships with members.  This position develops the strategic direction to deliver against the corporate membership goals and identifies and analyzes market opportunities, and helps coordinate member product development efforts across major functional areas, including other business lines and service channels.  This role collaborates closely with the Membership Product Operations Executive to deliver the business goals.  Accountabilities include:

1. General management of the current products: this includes leadership of the $265MM P&L, strategies/business plans and tactics to deliver 89.0% retention and other business goals.


2. Longer range strategy for Membership.  This includes developing an innovation road map that will allow AAA to increase relevance and differentiate membership to remain competitive.  A key focus area will be to revitalize the Membership business, extend the reach of the brand to a younger audience & build a defensible plan in response to growing competition.  In addition, there is significant opportunity to increase the linkage between Membership and our Insurance products; this leader will be responsible to develop cross-sell strategies that help improve the overall growth of the enterprise. 


3. People Management: this role leads a department with 11 staff members.  There is significant opportunity to contribute to the training and development of the team with both consumer and general management skills.


4. Provides leadership to the Membership product strategy including product features and benefits, product pricing and positioning.  Leads strategic planning activity for the Membership product and provides direction to Membership Product Operations for development of strategies and tactics.  Recommend/ approve pricing structure and price changes.


5. Provides thought leadership to Membership product development efforts.  Researches, analyzes, and makes recommendations on products and services responding to market opportunity and member needs. Key contributor to the development of product improvements, line extensions, partnerships and segment offerings. Provides strategic recommendations for improvements to future products and programs to senior management.

Many of the products are in place, the resources are available, and AAA can take the necessary time to “get it right” before going to market. What it requires now is the expertise to leverage what exists and add the strategic thinking and execution that will take AAA to the next level.

FUNCTIONAL PROFILE

Functional responsibilities for the Membership Product Executive will include the following:

• Strategic Vision: This Membership Product Executive will be responsible for developing and launching new services for AAA. S/he will proactively determine what consumer needs are not being met with current services and then work to develop services that address these needs on a cost appropriate basis. What services/products should be in the AAA portfolio, how they will be marketed and what the target audiences should be, will all be the responsibility of this individual. A consumer-centric approach to new service offerings is critical.

• Current Product Revitalization:  The Membership Product Executive will evaluate the current strengths and weaknesses of the Product Portfolio and determine how that can be enhanced and leveraged to increase its revenues. It is expected that this individual will field appropriate consumer research to learn what “holes” may exist in the current offering and how the service can be modified to generate significant revenue increases.

• Consumer Acumen: The Membership Product Executive will be responsible for the development and understanding of consumer insights that will drive business decision making.  It is expected that this individual will be able to translate insights into useable content for a wide range of constituents.

• Management:  S/he will be responsible for the management, training and career growth of the individuals within their group.  The Membership Product Executive will be charged with mentoring the team in order to leverage their current knowledge, as well as training and preparing them to take on additional responsibilities within the department.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

The ideal candidate will possess the following skill set and attributes:

1.       Experience:

This person should have a minimum of 10-15 years of general management experience in managing consumer products and/or services.  S/he should have a proven track record of successfully developing and executing business plans from conception to implementation.  The ideal candidate will have been classically trained in product management and marketing.  The must demonstrate the ability to work successfully in a collaborative environment. The Membership Product Executive should know how to get the best solution using the available resources.

2. Strategic Thinking:

The successful candidate must be a strategic thinker, able to develop and communicate a compelling vision and direction for the product management team while aligning with the rest of the Company.  S/he will be a strategic problem solver and have the confidence to lead decision-making and execution to the appropriate levels of the organization.  This individual should be data driven and knowledgeable with regard to the fielding and evaluation of market research, and the ability to interpret the results in order to enhance current products as well as in the development and launch of new products/services.

3.  Leadership/Presence:

The Membership Product Executive must be someone who has managed and mentored a product management team.  This individual must be someone who has successfully demonstrated the ability to command the respect of others and display the leadership qualities to influence senior management, peers and subordinates. S/he should have a history of developing subordinates, helping them advance their careers within an organization and should enjoy working in a team environment.

4.  Creativity:

It is essential that this Membership Product Executive be someone who has demonstrated the ability to think and act in a creative manner.  AAA is looking for a person with a creative spark, able to think outside the box and willing to balance the tried-and-true with the “truly new”.

5. Communications:  The Membership Product Executive will need to be an excellent communicator in both written and oral formats.  Strong writing skills and the ability to provide strong rationales for courses of action will be required. S/he will need to exercise effective skills in working cross-functionally.

6.       Personality:

This person should be inherently smart, pro-active, collaborative, creative, energetic, a strong communicator (verbally and written), and passionate about the potential of the opportunity.  They should take ownership of their projects and be able to work effectively as part of a cross-functional team. S/he should combine the ability to be strategic with the understanding that they will also be a “do-er”, responsible for projects being completed on time and on budget. A personality type that is eager to try new things will be required in this role.  

Responsible for directing sales activities and the account management, complex sales/solutions development, contract negotiations, consulting/executive positioning for the tier 1 accounts based out of Northern California.  Responsible for meeting customer retention and business unit profitability objectives.  May include selling products and services through indirect distribution channels.  This manager provides guidance and direction to employees, responsible for strategic growth at various levels and compliance with internal and external guidelines.  In addition, responsibilities typically include budget development, staffing decisions, performance management, employee development, profit and loss accountability and business development. 

Maximizes revenues and profit through the planning and management of sales activities. The incumbent does not directly generate revenue, but is responsible for revenue generation through the guidance of the work efforts of Senior Account Managers.  Maintains effective communications with executives and managers across the company to ensure proper sensitivity to the needs of the field sales force.  Is responsible for hiring, firing, performance appraisals, and pay reviews of sales personnel.  Reports to the Area Vice President. 

Requirements: 

• Strong track record of solution/complex selling
• Ability to drive a high performance team in both a direct and matrix management environment (100+ dedicated resources)
• Seasoned consulting selling approach
• Proven ability to manage large complex sales environment of account in excess of $100M
• Background in executing executive position strategy
• Deal experience in customer solutions/applications environment with track record of closing deals in the $50M range
• Health care industry background a plus

Manages and develops field sales staff.  Hires, trains, coaches, reviews, rewards, motivates, disciplines and terminates staff.  Educates field sales team regarding sales techniques and tactics. Evaluates effectiveness of sales reps; recommends necessary changes. 

Establishes and manages effective programs and seminars to address the following issues:

• New account sales and field sales growth.
• Enhancement of field sales revenues.
• Sales of emerging products/services.
• Pro-active competitive strategies and targeted sales campaigns.
• Proper use and level of sales support.
• Management of sales team expenses.
• Periodically develop and manage complex sales strategies, especially for multi-national corporations.

Investment Accounting: Manage all aspects of the investment accounting function, internal controls, and processes that impact investment results reported and disclosed in the financial statements.  Create a control environment that ensures that all standards are met, that the SLA is enforced, and that we are in compliance with all current and future regulatory requirements. .

Carry out the investment accounting and reporting function in an accurate and timely manner, for CSAA and related entities.  This includes managing the outsourcing vendor State Street, located in Kansas City, MO (SSKC), external investment managers, and the custodial bank.  The Investment Accounting Manager anticipates and responds to questions and deliverables required by internal customers, auditors, regulators and other outside agencies.  Interpret Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other current regulations to ensure CSAA is in full compliance.  Interface with Financial Reporting to coordinate implementation of new accounting pronouncements, annual audit, regulatory filings, and monthly closings.  In addition, support the development of budgets and forecasts.  Manage and direct the custodial tasks performed by the custodial bank. .

AutoSave Investments:  Monitor investment performance and insure regulatory compliance. Using advanced analytical and statistical techniques ensure that investment managers are performing within tolerance levels as defined by the "Manager Retention Policy" described to the Board; have a deep understanding of each manager’s strategy and how it is changing with current economic conditions; synthesize investment thesis for Senior Management and the Benefits Leadership Team.  Manage relationship with external consultants with respect to 401(k) activities. .

The Investment Accounting Managers time and effort is allocated into three categories. <

*Investment Accounting and Reporting  - 50%

*Custody Support and Management – 10%

*Benefit Finance-20%

*AutoSave Investment Monitoring-20%

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:.

 Investment Accounting and Reporting

Responsible for the end-to-end investment accounting process outsourced to SSKC.   Principal duties include:

*Oversee the SSKC process to ensure the investment accounting and reporting function is performed as specified.  See the Service Level Agreement (SLA) and operating procedures attached for specifics. .

*Manage the ongoing SSKC relationship by providing vendor ongoing direction and feedback. .

*Create control environment; as appropriate, move towards SOX

*monitor SLA to ensure standards are met; review SSKC SAS 70

*approve transactions or provide direction as required

*monthly operational review meeting

*annual performance review

*setting annual improvement goals 

*Serve as the investment accounting and reporting subject matter expert for Cash, Investments, and external clients. .

*Serve as a the single point of contact for SSKC and Cash and Investment to ensure requests, information, issues or analysis is provided within deadlines or agreed upon timelines. .

*Maintain process and procedures flows to support the accounting, reporting and internal control environment

Custody Support and Management

Manage and direct the custodial tasks performed by the custodial bank.  The custodian is responsible for accounting, reporting and reconciling investment amounts and balances to each investment manager and adjustments completed on a timely basis.  This position is responsible for providing the custodian written directions as required, e.g. open and close accounts, approve unusual transactions, apply class action proceeds.  The Investment Accounting Manager will perform quarterly performance reviews with the custodian to ensure compliance with internal standards, the SLA, and that the trustee’s SAS 70 meets our requirements. .

The position requires a professional with progressive investment accounting or relevant accounting and reporting experience, including general ledger and financial statement. .

*8-12 years of working experience with investments, investment terminology and related systems. 

*Proven technology experience, such as, PAM, PeopleSoft, and Excel.

*Minimum of 7 years of financial statement and statutory accounting experience.

*Demonstrated leadership experience required.

*Requires thorough knowledge of SAP and GAAP, especially as they relate to investments and benefits.

*NAIC and DOI regulations and requirements.

*Demonstrated proficiency of investments and asset classes e.g. stocks, REITS, mortgage backs, CMOs, FNMA, mutual funds, index funds etc.  Understands characteristics of each asset class. 

*Professional demeanor with ability to interact with employees, vendors and management.  Strong interpersonal and inter-departmental skills.

*Detailed oriented takes analytical approach to solving problems.

*Productive contributor with minimum instruction on day-to-day duties.

*Strong written and spoken skills.

*Solution oriented.

*Team oriented.

*Action oriented and committed to meeting deadlines. 

*Strong understanding of CSAA business strategy.