Client Development Manager - Hybrid: Chicago

Client Development Manager

Circana is a leading provider of technology, AI, and data solutions for consumer packaged goods companies, manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators. Our predictive analytics and Liquid Data platform help clients measure market share, uncover consumer behavior, and drive growthpowered by six decades of expertise and an expansive, high-quality data set.

At Circana, we are fueled by our passion for continuous learning and growth, we seek and share feedback freely, and we celebrate victories both big and small in an environment that is flexible and accommodating to our work and personal lives. We're a global company dedicated to fostering inclusivity and belonging. We value and celebrate the unique experiences, cultures, and viewpoints that each individual brings. By embracing a wide range of backgrounds, skills, expertise, and beyond, we create a stronger, more innovative environment for our employees, clients, and communities. With us, you can always bring your full self to work. Join our inclusive, committed team to be a challenger, own outcomes, and stay curious together. Circana is proud to be Certified by Great Place To Work. This prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Circana.

Our Critical Sales Skills

• Effectively Presents Solutions: Delivers tailored, compelling solutions that align with customer needs and drive action.
• Knows the Buying Influences: Identifies key decision-makers and understands their motivations and influence.
• Manages Buyer Indifference: Recognizes and explores customer hesitation to uncover new needs or opportunities.
• Understands Customer Needs: Operates as a recognized expert to articulate customer needs in the customer's business language and business context.
• Being Resilient: Bounces back from setbacks with composure and positivity; helps others stay productive during tough times.
• Manages Ambiguity: Stays focused and calm in uncertain situations; guides others through change.

What will you be doing?

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leading foodservice manufacturer and operator clients by building strategic relationships, understanding business objectives and challenges, and translating insights into growth opportunities.
• Leverage Circana's broad portfolio of foodservice data assets and proprietary tools to analyze complex consumer and industry data, delivering clear, actionable recommendations that inform business decisions.
• Drive client success and satisfaction by proactively connecting market trends and performance data to strategic opportunities while expanding engagement across a broader range of stakeholders and end users.
• Support team development by thoughtfully managing and developing a junior direct report.

Job Responsibilities

• Drive Client Growth: Identify and pursue opportunities to expand client relationships by aligning Circana's data and software solutions with their strategic goals.
• Deliver Insight-Led Solutions: Translate complex data into actionable insights that help clients make informed decisions and achieve measurable outcomes.
• Manage the Sales Cycle: Lead end-to-end sales processes including prospecting, needs assessment, solution development, negotiation, and closing.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with internal teams (e.g., Product, Analytics) to deliver integrated solutions and ensure client success.
• Maintain Industry Expertise: Stay current on trends in [retail, CPG, or general merchandise] to position Circana as a thought leader and trusted advisor.
• Build Strategic Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across client organizations, including decision-makers and influencers.
• Utilize Sales Tools and Platforms: Leverage Circana's proprietary platforms (e.g., Unify+, Liquid Data, Intelligence Suite) to support client engagements and solution delivery.
• Achieve Revenue Targets: Meet or exceed individual and team sales goals through disciplined pipeline management and strategic account planning.
• Champion Client Success: Ensure client satisfaction by proactively addressing challenges, identifying growth opportunities, and delivering consistent value.
• Support Innovation and Feedback: Provide market feedback to internal teams to help refine offerings and contribute to product development.
• Advanced Analytic Skills: Demonstrated ability to conceive, manage, and deliver fact-based analyses, with a focus on consumer solutions, providing clients with clear, actionable insights to inform strategy.

Requirements

• BA/BS or equivalent degree required. Market research, economics, statistics, or marketing background preferred.
• 6+ years of relevant professional experience required. Foodservice industry experience preferred.
• Highly proficient in all MS Office products (strong Excel, PowerPoint, CoPilot). Prior experience with Circana's proprietary tools like Unify+ is a plus.
• Ability to travel as needed (