Team Lead - Trade Planning

Who We Are

At C.A. Carlin, we take brands to new heights. We are one of the leading privately held sales agencies in the industry. Thanks to nimble growth and associations with our operating partners, C.A. Fortune and C.A. Ferolie, we have built brand value that is unlike any other in the CPG industry.

What We Do

Since our start in 1962, we have built industry relationships on the foundation of trust and action. We turn information into insight. We convert insight into programs. We drive programs that consistently deliver results to our clients, on their timeline.

We have more than 300 associates and multiple offices throughout the country. We represent top brands in many categories such as confection, snack, grocery, beverage, frozen, dairy etc.

Overview of the Role 

• The Trade Planning Team Lead is responsible for leading a team of four Trade Planning Specialists and ensuring the accurate and timely execution of customer promotional plans. This role serves as the main point of contact between sales professionals, clients, customer trade finance teams, and internal partners to support trade planning activities and drive process improvements. Reporting directly to Sr. Manager of Trade Planning and Deduction Management.
• Hybrid - Schaumburg, IL; in office 3 days a week.
• Salary $58,000 - $62,000 depending on experience, qualifications and skills. This position is exempt. 

What you will do at C.A Carlin

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 4 Trade Planning Specialists.
• Oversee the timely and accurate entry of promotional plans into customer trade systems.
• Review promotional plans for completeness and accuracy.
• Serve as the escalation point for planning issues and customer questions.
• Partner with sales professionals, clients, and deduction management to ensure seamless execution of promotions.
• Manage team workloads and prioritize activities to meet deadlines.
• Develop and maintain trade planning processes, procedures, and timelines.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Monitor team performance and ensure high service standards.
• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.

What You Should Bring to the Table 

• 3+ years of experience in trade planning, trade promotions, sales operations, customer finance, or a related field.
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or team lead experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with client trade management systems preferred.

You Will Stand out if you have 

• You have extensive CPG experience 
• Prior experience with a broker/manufacturer a plus 
• Leadership & Coaching
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Communication
• Process Improvement
• Collaboration
• Time Management
• Problem Solving

Perks

• PTO and Sick Days
• 11 paid company holidays per year
• 1 Floating Holiday
• 2 paid volunteer days per year
• 3 months fully paid parental leave (regardless of gender)
• Medical, dental, and vision
• Paid company life insurance
• 401k with company match
• Summer hours (half day Fridays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day)
• Work from home flexibility

Come As You Are

C.A. is committed to making our company more inclusive. Diversity fuels our innovation and better connects us to our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. Based on research, we know that women and other marginalized groups tend to apply to roles only when their experience perfectly matches the job description. That said, we encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of qualifications, especially if this role aligns with your career trajectory.