Opportunity Review: Customer Development Executive at Colgate-Palmolive (Surrey, England)

Colgate-Palmolive, a globally recognized leader in consumer products, is seeking a driven and ambitious individual to join their team as a Customer Development Executive in Woking, Surrey. This role presents a significant opportunity for career advancement within a company renowned for its iconic brands and commitment to innovation. If you're looking to build a robust foundation in commercial sales and contribute to a company that prioritizes sustainability and a healthier future, this position warrants serious consideration.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Career Growth & Development: This role is explicitly positioned as a "crucial developmental role." Colgate-Palmolive emphasizes its investment in employees' careers, offering a clear pathway for progression within their commercial sales function.
• Impactful Work with World-Class Brands: You will have the opportunity to manage a portfolio of well-known consumer products, directly contributing to their sales and market presence. This is a chance to work with brands that are trusted in households worldwide.
• Future-Ready and Innovative Environment: Colgate-Palmolive is making substantial investments in new technologies, including AI. This means you'll be at the forefront of commercial innovation, utilizing cutting-edge tools to enhance data analysis, forecasting, and decision-making, making your role more strategic and fulfilling.
• Autonomy and Accountability: The description highlights an environment where your decisions have a tangible impact. You'll experience personal accountability in a fast-paced setting, influencing both daily performance and long-term strategy.
• Strong Culture of Values: The company fosters a culture built on "Caring, Inclusion, and Courage." This suggests an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and where employees are empowered to contribute meaningfully.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role involves working closely with various internal teams, including Digital, Shopper Marketing, eCommerce, and Demand Planning. This broad exposure will enhance your understanding of the entire commercial ecosystem.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Location: The role is based in Woking, Surrey. It is important to note that "No Relocation Assistance Offered" is explicitly stated, meaning candidates will need to be within commuting distance or prepared to relocate at their own expense.
• Analytical and Data-Driven Skills: Success in this role hinges on strong analytical capabilities. Candidates should be comfortable leveraging data to derive insights, drive recommendations, and demonstrate exceptional attention to detail. A curiosity for commercial progression through data analysis is essential.
• Negotiation and Influencing Skills: The position requires effective external negotiation and influencing abilities. Excellent communication skills are paramount for building strong relationships with retailer contacts and driving successful Joint Business Planning (JBP).
• Proactive and Commercial Mindset: A proactive, curious, and commercially-focused mindset is crucial. Candidates should be creative thinkers who can develop fact-based recommendations and actively seek opportunities to drive business growth.
• Team-Oriented Approach: While autonomy is valued, being a strong team player is equally important. The ability to manage multiple priorities, collaborate effectively, and contribute to team development by sharing best practices will be key.
• Salary Grade: The role falls within Salary Grade 10-12, indicating a mid-level position with competitive compensation potential based on experience and qualifications.

In summary, this Customer Development Executive role at Colgate-Palmolive offers a compelling proposition for ambitious professionals seeking to accelerate their careers in commercial sales. It combines the opportunity to work with leading brands in an innovative and supportive environment with a clear emphasis on personal and professional growth. Candidates with strong analytical, negotiation, and a proactive commercial mindset will find this to be an exceptionally rewarding opportunity.