Quality Custom Distribution, a division of Golden State Foods, is seeking a Customer Solutions Manager. This role is responsible for managing and executing key customer-facing activities including Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Information (RFI), Request for Quotation (RFQ), pricing proposals, and annual customer financial planning. Work closely with customers to develop tailored solutions, lead strategic initiatives, and align project outcomes with customer goals. This role will also involve project management, fostering strong customer relationships, and ensuring the successful delivery of projects that meet or exceed customer expectations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Customer Solutions and Alignment:
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers to understand their business needs and ensure solutions are aligned with their strategic goals.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to design, propose, and implement customer-specific solutions.
  • Lead customer-facing discussions to define requirements and scope of work for new projects.

• Proposal Management (RFP, RFI, RFQ):
  • Manage and respond to RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs, collaborating with internal teams to gather the necessary information.
  • Prepare and present pricing proposals and other relevant documentation to customers, ensuring that offerings align with customer needs and organizational objectives.
  • Coordinate the proposal process, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.

• Pricing Strategy and Financial Planning:
  • Lead the development of annual financial planning for key customers, including budget forecasting, cost analysis, and pricing strategies.
  • Work with finance and sales teams to develop competitive pricing models that maximize profitability while meeting customer expectations.
  • Regularly review pricing strategies to ensure alignment with market conditions and customer requirements.

• Project Management:
  • Oversee the successful execution of customer projects from initiation through delivery, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
  • Lead project teams, allocate resources, and manage milestones to ensure projects are completed successfully.
  • Monitor project performance, resolve issues, and communicate updates to both internal stakeholders and customers.

• Strategic Planning with Customers:
  • Collaborate with customers to develop long-term strategic plans that support their business objectives and foster continuous improvement.
  • Identify new business opportunities and growth areas within existing customer accounts.
  • Drive customer engagement through regular strategy sessions and feedback loops to ensure ongoing alignment with customer goals.

• Leadership and Initiative Management:
  • Lead and manage key strategic initiatives aimed at improving customer experience, operational efficiency, and product/service delivery.
  • Act as a change agent, driving innovation and continuous improvement within the customer solutions function.
  • Provide thought leadership and guidance on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies that could benefit customers.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with internal teams, including sales, finance, product, and operations, to ensure cohesive solutions and consistent communication with customers.
  • Support the sales team in customer meetings, presentations, and negotiations to close deals and expand existing relationships.

• Customer Retention and Satisfaction:
  • Monitor customer satisfaction and ensure that solutions meet or exceed customer expectations.
  • Act as the main point of escalation for customer issues, working to resolve concerns quickly and efficiently.
  • Foster long-term relationships with customers to drive repeat business and enhance customer loyalty.

• QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree or applicable commensurate work experience
  • Experience: A minimum of 5 years of proven success in logistics/distribution operations, management, pricing and financial management
  • Analyze and resolve complex problems
  • Results Oriented: Strong focus on partnering with leaders and customers to achieve goals, including responsiveness and reliability.
  • Excellent Comunicator: Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
  • Adaptable and Resilient: Capable of managing complexity and uncertainty in a dynamic business environment.
  • Travel Requirements: Willingness to travel 20% within designated region.