Senior Director, Customer Growth & Business Development – Strategic Leadership for FSOP Market Expansion at arenaflex

Why arenaflex?

arenaflex is a globally recognized leader in the beverage and foodservice industry, celebrated for its iconic brands and relentless pursuit of innovation. With a heritage spanning more than a century, arenaflex continues to refresh the world by delivering experiences that delight consumers and create lasting value for partners. Our purpose‑driven culture is built on curiosity, empowerment, inclusivity, and agility—four core behaviors that empower every employee to shape the future of the business.

Joining arenaflex means becoming part of a dynamic ecosystem where bold ideas are encouraged, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and continuous learning is the norm. Whether you are collaborating with senior executives, pioneering new market categories, or crafting compelling stewardship tools, you will be at the heart of a brand that is synonymous with excellence and global impact.

Role Overview

The Senior Director, Customer Growth & Business Development is a newly created, high‑visibility position within the FSOP Business Development Center of Excellence (COE). Reporting to senior leadership, you will act as the strategic bridge between arenaflex and its foodservice customers, translating market insights into actionable growth strategies, securing new business, and driving category expansion. This role demands a solution‑oriented mindset, comfort with “white‑space” opportunities, and the ability to influence across multiple functions and seniority levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Own the end‑to‑end growth agenda for the Business Development COE, setting direction, priorities, and measurable outcomes.
• C‑Suite Relationship Building: Cultivate and deepen strategic partnerships with senior marketing executives at top-tier foodservice accounts, positioning arenaflex as the preferred partner for innovation and value creation.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Lead internal stakeholder teams—including Insights, Digital, Brand, Asset Management, and Commercial—to secure resources and alignment for business development initiatives.
• Stewardship Material Development: Oversee the creation of compelling customer stewardship assets (e.g., “Why arenaflex Evolution,” value bundle presentations) that empower field teams and reinforce brand relevance.
• Insight Generation & Sharing: Provide actionable customer insights to brand, integrated marketing, innovation, and strategy teams; identify gaps that require additional research or bespoke solutions.
• Trend Identification & Solution Design: Spot emerging market trends, value‑bundle gaps, and competitive threats; partner with subject‑matter experts to develop innovative solutions and best‑practice commercial models.
• Executive Communication: Design and deliver concise communication plans for senior leadership, utilizing newsletters, PowerPoint decks, video briefings, and face‑to‑face sessions to drive alignment.
• Industry Engagement: Represent arenaflex at industry conferences, roundtables, and networking events to enhance brand visibility and capture market intelligence.
• Pipeline Management: Drive the full lifecycle of new business opportunities—from prospecting and qualification through negotiation and contract execution—while ensuring a robust renewal pipeline.
• Performance Measurement: Establish KPIs, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to track growth, customer satisfaction, and ROI of business development initiatives.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in marketing, agency work, or CPG, with a strong focus on foodservice (FSOP) customers.
• Customer/Shopper Marketing Expertise: Demonstrated success in developing and executing customer‑centric marketing strategies that drive measurable growth.
• Strategic Partnership Development: Proven ability to craft unique beverage partnership strategies that align with client objectives and generate win‑win outcomes.
• Communication & Influence: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to persuade senior stakeholders and lead cross‑functional teams.
• Project Leadership: Comfortable managing complex, long‑term projects with multiple dependencies and ambiguous pathways.
• Analytical Acumen: Strong problem‑solving capabilities, data‑driven decision making, and the ability to translate insights into actionable plans.
• Adaptability: Thrive in fast‑changing environments, embrace ambiguity, and quickly learn new tools, platforms, and market dynamics.
• Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel 20‑30% of the time, primarily within the United States, to meet customers and attend industry events.

Preferred Qualifications & Additional Skills

• Experience working directly with foodservice operators, distributors, or hospitality chains.
• Track record of launching new product categories or expanding existing ones within the FSOP channel.
• Proficiency in digital marketing platforms, data analytics tools, and CRM systems.
• Demonstrated ability to develop compelling brand positioning, creative briefs, and integrated marketing campaigns.
• Strong background in competitive analysis, SWOT assessments, and market segmentation.
• Familiarity with sponsorship activation, social media strategy, and experiential marketing.
• Leadership experience managing high‑performing teams or matrixed project groups.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Brand Positioning & Storytelling
• Channel Management & Distribution Strategy
• Competitor Analysis & Market Intelligence
• Creative Brief Development
• Digital Media Strategy & Execution
• Group Problem Solving & Collaborative Decision‑Making
• Local Advertising & Activation Tactics
• Integrated Marketing & Shopper Marketing
• Media Planning & Buying
• Social Media Strategy & Community Management
• Sponsorship & Event Partnerships
• SWOT Analysis & Strategic Planning

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

arenaflex offers a competitive total‑reward package designed to attract and retain top talent. The base salary range for this role is $175,000 – $201,000, with variations based on geography, experience, and expertise. In addition to base pay, you will be eligible for an annual incentive tied to performance, typically representing 30% of base compensation.

Our comprehensive benefits suite includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options.
• Retirement savings plans with company matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off, holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
• Professional development budget, tuition reimbursement, and access to industry‑leading learning platforms.
• Wellness programs, employee assistance resources, and on‑site health initiatives.
• Employee discount programs for arenaflex products and partner brands.
• Opportunities for global mobility and cross‑regional projects.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At arenaflex, your career trajectory is limited only by your ambition. As Senior Director, you will:

• Gain visibility with senior executives across the global organization.
• Lead high‑impact initiatives that shape the future of the FSOP channel.
• Mentor emerging talent and build a high‑performing Business Development team.
• Access a robust internal network of brand, innovation, and digital experts.
• Participate in leadership development programs focused on strategic thinking, change management, and inclusive leadership.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

Our culture is built on a growth mindset. We encourage curiosity, empower individuals to take ownership, foster an inclusive environment where diverse voices thrive, and remain agile in the face of market shifts. You will work in a collaborative, fast‑paced setting that values both results and the way we achieve them. arenaflex’s commitment to sustainability, community impact, and employee well‑being creates a purpose‑driven workplace where you can make a meaningful difference.

Application Process

If you are a strategic, solution‑focused leader with a passion for driving growth in the foodservice sector, we invite you to join arenaflex’s next chapter. Bring your expertise, vision, and energy to a role that will shape the future of one of the world’s most iconic brands.

Ready to make an impact? Apply Now and start your journey with arenaflex today.