GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC – We are a full-service distributor of a range of over 1,400 products in the categories of grocery, frozen, dairy and beverages. We represent some of the top brands of food products from the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Europe.

With operations located in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey, Miami, Florida, and Atlanta, GA, serving the Eastern United States, our solid network of sub-distributors and wholesalers augment our direct to retail operation, allowing coverage to the mid-western states and the West Coast.

GraceKennedy Foods is responsible for distributing the Lafe brand, Grace brand, Grace owned brands, and principal brands.

Purpose of Job
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Associate Manager – Trade Marketing to support the execution of trade marketing initiatives and retail activation programs across our portfolio of brands, including GRACE, LAFE, and other Grace-owned brands.

This role is responsible for driving in-store visibility, shopper engagement, promotional execution, merchandising programs, sampling activities, and retail activations across independent retailers, regional chains, and national accounts. Working closely with Sales, Marketing, distributors, agencies, and retail partners, the Associate Manager will ensure flawless execution of trade marketing programs that support brand growth and commercial objectives.

The ideal candidate is bilingual in English and Spanish, has experience within the FMCG or consumer products industry, and possesses strong project management, organizational, and analytical skills. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a marketing professional looking to develop expertise in trade marketing, shopper marketing, retail activation, and commercial execution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute trade marketing programs, promotions, merchandising initiatives, and retail activations.
• Coordinate in-store marketing activities, sampling programs, and seasonal campaigns.
• Track program performance, execution KPIs, budgets, and timelines.
• Develop activation toolkits and execution materials for field teams and retail partners.
• Conduct market visits and evaluate execution quality across retail channels.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, agencies, distributors, and retail partners to ensure successful program implementation.
• Monitor competitive activity and identify opportunities to improve retail execution and shopper engagement.

Performance Criteria

• Budget and execution timelines are within target.
• Effective transformation of business objectives into successful/impactful executions.
• Timely performance reports with accurate and insightful analysis of executions with recommendations

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Sales, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in Trade Marketing, Shopper Marketing, Field Marketing, Retail Activation, Sales Support, or related commercial functions.
• FMCG, consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, or retail industry experience preferred.
• Bilingual English and Spanish required.
• Strong communication, project management, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to travel regularly within assigned markets.

Core Competencies

• Bilingual communication skills (English & Spanish)
• Strong organizational and execution capability
• Analytical mindset with performance tracking experience
• Retail relationship-building and collaboration skills
• Creativity and cultural awareness in developing shopper programs
• Action-oriented, adaptable, and accountable
• Professional presence and strong follow-through

We are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.

www.lafe.com

www.gracekennedy.com

www.gracefoods.com

Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wood Ridge, NJ 07075