Description
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT and CENTA), a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products for the pet, lawn and garden supplies markets is seeking an Associate Business Development Manager to join one of our key account sales teams within the Pet segment. We are looking for high energy and self-motivated candidates who are ready to take their next career step into an outside sales account management role. Desirable candidates will live in the Phoenix, AZ area; relocation will not be offered.
This role is ideal for a high-energy, self-motivated individual looking to continue developing their career in National Account Management. The Associate Business Manager will support Omni-Channel sales execution and account management initiatives while partnering closely with a Senior Manager to learn the business, strengthen customer relationships, and develop strategic and analytical capabilities.
The ideal candidate demonstrates strong communication, organization, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and take increasing ownership as they grow within the role. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and interest in leveraging data and insights to drive decision-making is required.
This position is based in our Phoenix, AZ office. We operate in a hybrid work environment that balances in-person collaboration with workplace flexibility. Employees are currently expected to work from the office at least three (3) days per week. Beginning in September 2026, our hybrid model will transition to four (4) in-office days per week to support greater collaboration, learning, and team connection.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
ACCOUNT SUPPORT & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
- Support development and execution of annual account plans aligned with corporate and Business Unit objectives.
- Assist in identifying opportunities related to distribution, assortment, pricing, promotions, and digital growth.
- Partner with senior leadership to support category growth initiatives and customer strategies.
- Learn and apply category management principles to support shelf expansion and portfolio growth.
FINANCIAL & PERFORMANCE SUPPORT
- Assist in managing sales performance, forecasting, and KPI tracking for the account.
- Support monitoring of key metrics including Gross Sales, Gross-to-Net, Gross Margin, inventory, promotional performance, and digital metrics.
- Help identify risks and opportunities and recommend actions to improve performance.
DATA & INSIGHTS
- Utilize consumer and retailer analytics platforms (NielsenIQ, Profitero, Numerator, retailer portals, etc.) to support business insights and recommendations.
- Translate data into customer-ready presentations and internal reporting.
- Analyze promotional performance, competitive activity, and category trends to support account planning.
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION
- Partner with Business Units including marketing, supply chain, finance, customer service, and sales operations teams to support execution.
- Participate in customer meetings, business reviews, and internal planning discussions.
- Develop strong understanding of Central’s product portfolio, capabilities, and strategic priorities.
RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION
- Build and maintain strong working relationships within PetSmart and across Central.
- Support preparation for customer meetings, line reviews, and joint business planning sessions.
- Create clear, data-driven presentations using PowerPoint and communicate insights effectively to multiple audiences.
- Take on increasing ownership and autonomy as experience and business knowledge develop.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated success delivering revenue and profit growth within a complex retail environment.
- Strong strategic planning, financial acumen, negotiation, and analytical skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint required).
- Experience leveraging syndicated and retailer data platforms (e.g., NielsenIQ).
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
- BS/BA in Business or related discipline
- 2–5 years of sales, analytics, category management, customer business support, or related experience preferred
- Experience supporting retail accounts, consumer products, or multi-category brands is a plus
WORKING CONDITIONS
- This position is based in a quiet, professional corporate office environment in Phoenix, AZ. Candidates musth be in/around Phoenix, AZ (relocation not available).
- Approximately 20% business travel required (overnight travel included).
BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Free Life and Disability Insurance
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
- Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to thousands of free online courses
- Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
- Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
- Referral Program with cash bonus
- Access to on-demand pay
- Paid parental leave
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit
www.central.com to learn more.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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