Brand Operations Traffic Specialist

Topco Associates is currently seeking a Brand Operations Traffic Specialist for the Brand & Marketing team in Itasca, IL. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office three times per week and virtually twice per week.

Topco's mission is to provide solutions for our member owners, regional retailers and wholesalers, and help them achieve a competitive advantage in the markets they serve. We aspire to develop high-performing teams to resemble the diversity of our members' shopper communities to drive greater innovation and creativity that ultimately enhances our business results, and the value Topco provides to its membership.  

Topco’s Own Brand Management & Packaging Services Team leads the brand identity strategy and management of the Topco Own Brands Portfolio including brand operations and design direction and execution of all product packaging to support achieving our members overall business objectives and corporate initiatives along with maintaining a positive corporate reputation in the market.  This team functions as the blueprint for building strong equity with the brands within the portfolio and stewards of the brands. 

Under the direction of Brand Operations Manager, the Brand Operations & Packaging Services Traffic Specialist will support the process for the development and execution of the packaging label-design for the Own brand portfolio.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Acts as steward of Own Brand Portfolio and individual Own brands; supports the brand promise, brand vision, brand positioning, brand architecture, and achieves overall short-term and long-term business goals.
2. Works collaboratively with Packaging Services Agency to ensure the packaging and computer-generated imagery (CGI) production is completed on-time and on-budget by trafficking the project with Topco associates and respective third parties.
3. Drives completion of packaging and CGI projects to ensure all stakeholders adhere to established timing provided at the initiation of the project and complying with Topco packaging processes and workflows.
4. Holds stakeholders accountable to task commitments through consistent follow-ups and enforcement of completion deadlines to drive on-time delivery of packaging and CGI projects, escalates when necessary.
5. Facilitates cross-functional communication by keeping internal and external stakeholders updated on project status, requests for information, conducting training, coordination of projects, and escalation of issues to avoid project delays.
6. Acts as a point of contact and lead for internal requests from Master Data to analyze possible differences between the packaging developed and item information in SAP and update the Packaging Services Agency with changes to SAP data for items actively being updated in the workflow tool.
7. Acts as the point of contact and lead for all billing back-up requests from internal Accounting department.
8. Facilitates the upkeep of Topco users in the workflow tool. Requests deactivation of any users who are no longer with Topco and works with their supervisor to ensure the role is reassigned to the correct employee, also requests activation of any new users to Topco.
9. Manages the training process of packaging workflows and the packaging workflow tool for internal and external users.
10. All other duties as assigned.

Education:

• BA/BS in Marketing, General Business or related field or equivalent experience.

Technical skills:

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite required
• Experience using time management skills to prioritize deliverables and project components to meet deadlines of multiple projects

Previous Experience:

• Up to 2 years of experience managing time sensitive and detailed projects.
• Experience with workflow database systems
• Retail, CPG or Foodservice experience preferred

Other qualifications:

• Ability to use creative thinking to identify and solve problems
• Deadline-driven, with the ability to self-manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with different audiences
• Strong attention to detail, collaborator, and willingness to be a part of a team
• Written and verbal communication skills with the ability to delivery clear, concise messages to multiple internal and external stakeholders
• Capable of managing multiple projects and multitasking and developing workflows
• Energetic and passionate about consumers, brands, and marketing
• Ability to work under pressure

Topco strives for an inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper’s communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

• Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO and HDHP offered)
• Health Savings Account
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Annual flexible spending accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Competitive 401(k) match
• Generous PTO offered