The Propane/Fuel Product Manager at Christensen is instrumental in driving sales growth and nurturing supplier relationships within the propane and fuel industry. In conjunction with Sales Management, Supply and Marketing, this role is tasked with developing, implementing, and optimizing sales strategies to maximize market penetration and profitability. The focus is heavily on understanding customer needs, collaborating with sales teams, and leveraging supplier partnerships to fuel Christensen's growth in the propane and fuel markets. Additionally, in direct coordination with divisional leaders, this position includes Profit and Loss responsibilities for the line of business, with an emphasis on increasing volume and gross margin growth.
SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES & DELIVERABLES
Customer Management
Own and manage the life cycle of Christensen's propane and fuel business.
Consistently coordinate with Ops and Supply teams regarding inventory and product movement.
Ensure product availability and pricing supports the operational planning.
Spend time within regional outside sales teams to understand customer needs, pain points, and gain insights as to how customers engage with Christensen.
Participate in customer QBRs and proposal meetings within each region.
Work with finance teams to identify customer segmentation pricing opportunities.
Sales & Marketing
Participate in customer proposal meetings.
Partner with sales leadership to review and drive sales pipeline.
Work with Business and Sales Leadership to accomplish target volume and profitability.
Lead and represent Christensen at product conferences to improve vendor relationships and identify new opportunities.
Establish recommended margins for customer segments, delivery size, and industry.
Develop solutions and marketing messaging and strategies to address customer needs.
Partner with the Marketing team in the creation of sales tools including brochures, product descriptions, and other relevant sales collateral.
Conduct market research to determine market sizes, assess Christensen's market position, and identify gaps in our offerings, thereby informing a strategic growth plan for our propane and fuel business.
Analyze and leverage existing PERC and industry programs, rebates, and incentives.
Supply Management
Manage key supplier relationships, including pricing, performance tracking development, and regular reporting against contractual commitments.
Identify and successfully negotiate new supplier agreements as needed - either through outside vendors or internally through our Supply Group.
Forecast new and existing Propane/Fuel growth and demand through sales pipeline management.
Collaborate with operational and supply teams to ensure propane and fuel supply aligns effectively with market demand.
Maintain a presence at industry conferences and trade shows to maintain supplier relationships and stay up to date with industry trends.
Oversee propane procurement and coordination of rail assets to minimize demurrage
Monitor daily propane inventory allocations at all plant locations
Through partnership with HSSE, ensure Christensen meets all regulatory compliance requirements.
Retain responsibility for the propane compliance scorecard.
Other duties as assigned.
LEADERSHIP & TEAM REACH
Understand and live our Core Values
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree preferred
5+ years of outside sales experience in a business-to-business environment, sales management experience preferred
Results-oriented, with a relentless drive for exceeding targets and delivering exceptional outcomes
Ability to manage multiple priorities along with flexibility and adaptability to change
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to present in a C-suite environment
PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS
Operates in a professional office environment.
Regularly required to stand, walk, sit for long periods of times, talk, and hear.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers, with the ability to reach with hands and arms.
This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.
Up to 50% travel
COMPANY OFFERED BENEFITS
As Christensen continues to fuel exponential growth, we pursue to offer a diverse portfolio of benefits coupled with our compensation and bonus incentive programs. A few elements of our benefit programs include:
Health Insurance Benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision, plus Ancillary Plans.
Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care, and Health Savings Accounts.
Company provided long term disability and up to $50,000 of life insurance.
401(k) plan with a generous company contribution.
Paid time off in addition to 7 company paid holidays.